On Friday evening, a shooting incident took place in a quiet subdivision in Alexandria, Kentucky, shaking the usually peaceful community. The Alexandria Police Department is actively investigating the situation, which has left one person injured and two others dead. The tragic events unfolded around 8 p.m. on Ridgewood Drive, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still unclear as the authorities continue to gather information.
The incident began when dispatchers received a call reporting gunshots in the Ridgewood Drive area. Upon arrival, officers discovered one victim, but details about the victim’s condition were initially scarce. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that this was not an isolated incident. Another call led officers to 6 N. Cottonwood Court, where they found two additional victims who had succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds.
The victims were later identified by the police as 47-year-old Alexandria resident Brian Cornelius and a 14-year-old male whose identity has not been released. The nature of their relationship, if any, is still being investigated. The only surviving victim, Alexandria resident Derek Johnson, 37, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside a bystander’s car. Johnson was promptly taken to UC Medical Center for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.
The police identified the suspect as Richard Fessler, an 18-year-old resident of Alexandria. According to authorities, after shooting Johnson at 6 N. Cottonwood, Fessler fled the scene in a black Ford Focus. The vehicle was later found abandoned, which led the police on a search that concluded early Saturday morning. Fessler was apprehended at a residence near Washington Trace Road around 1 a.m.
The rapid response and cooperation from the community were crucial in capturing the suspect. One key witness, Ambyr Schnitzler, played a significant role. Schnitzler told Fox19 that she was driving through the area when she saw Johnson running down a cul-de-sac, covered in blood and frantically waving his arms. She stopped to help, bandaged his wounds, and called 911, undoubtedly aiding in his survival and providing crucial information to the authorities.
The police have charged Fessler with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. He is currently being held at the Campbell County Detention Center without bond. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and the police are working to piece together the events that led to this tragic outcome.
The Alexandria community is reeling from the shock of this violent incident. Neighbors and residents have expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the loss of life and the injury sustained by Johnson. Community leaders and local authorities have urged residents to come together and support one another during this difficult time.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Alexandria Police Department has increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and prevent any further incidents. They have also set up a tip line for anyone with additional information about the case to come forward, hoping to gain more insights into the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The tragic event has also sparked conversations about community safety and the need for vigilance. Local organizations are planning to hold a community meeting to discuss the incident, provide updates from law enforcement, and offer resources for those affected by the trauma. Mental health professionals will be available to assist residents in coping with the emotional aftermath.
As the investigation continues, the community of Alexandria is left to mourn the loss of two of its members and to support the recovery of Derek Johnson. The police have assured the public that they are doing everything in their power to ensure justice is served and to maintain the safety and security of the community.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis. The Alexandria Police Department is committed to keeping the public informed as new details emerge and to bringing closure to the affected families and the community at large.
