A tragic murder-suicide unfolded in central Kentucky on December 14, 2025, when 77-year-old Margie Berry was found dead in her Berea home on Leslie Drive. Authorities ruled her death a homicide shortly after discovery just after midnight. The Madison County Coroner confirmed the incident but has not released specific details on the manner of her injuries.
Her son, 51-year-old Kevin Berry, was identified as the suspect following an intensive manhunt. Kevin Berry had a extensive career in law enforcement, serving in multiple departments including the McKee Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. He most recently held the rank of captain with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office until leaving in 2020 to pursue another career path.
An attempt-to-locate alert was issued for a vehicle linked to the homicide. Around 10 a.m. on December 14, Williamsburg Police spotted the car traveling north on Interstate 75 in Whitley County. Assistant Chief Brandon White followed as the vehicle pulled to the shoulder, entered a grassy area, and crashed into a rock wall.
Officers attempted to negotiate with the driver to exit peacefully. Upon approaching the wrecked vehicle after assessing the scene, they discovered Kevin Berry deceased inside. The Whitley County Coroner determined his death resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The Madison County Coroner officially connected the Berea homicide to the Whitley County suicide around 1:30 p.m. that day. The manhunt and subsequent closure of I-75 in both directions lasted several hours, causing significant traffic disruptions near the 12.5-mile marker.
Margie Berry resided at 113 Leslie Drive in Berea, Kentucky. Limited verified personal details are available beyond her age and residence, with no public information on her education, family life beyond her son, lifestyle, or hobbies emerging from official reports.
