Elizabethtown, Kentucky – A tragic and shocking incident unfolded outside the Hardin County Justice Center on Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of Erica Riley, 37, and her mother, Janet Riley, 71. The women were ambushed and fatally shot in the courthouse parking lot by 46-year-old Christopher Michael Elder, who was reportedly involved in a domestic violence case with Erica Riley.
The shooting occurred just before 9 a.m. as the Riley family, including two young children, arrived at the courthouse for an emergency protective order hearing involving Elder. Authorities believe Elder had been waiting in ambush and opened fire on the women as they exited their vehicle. Erica Riley was pronounced dead at the scene, while her mother, Janet Riley, succumbed to her injuries later at a nearby hospital. Another male relative was also injured in the attack but is currently in stable condition.
Following the shooting, Elder fled the scene in a silver sedan marked with spray paint, leading police on a multi-county chase. The pursuit ended in a church parking lot in Christian County, where Elder, after a tense standoff with law enforcement, attempted to take his own life. He was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville and remains in critical condition.
The tragic event has deeply shaken the Hardin County community, raising concerns about the effectiveness of protective measures for victims of domestic violence. Despite attending a legal proceeding intended to address their safety, Erica and Janet Riley fell victim to a premeditated attack, highlighting the limits of such interventions.
The incident also led to heightened security measures across the area, with local schools and government buildings placed on soft lockdowns out of an abundance of caution. The Elizabethtown Police Department, along with the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Kentucky State Police, is conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting and Elder’s background.
Community members have expressed their grief and outrage on social media. Christy Curtsinger wrote, “I’m heartbroken. Erica and her mom did not deserve this. Praying for the family.” Similarly, Lynne Schisel Bell shared, “This senseless violence has to stop. My thoughts are with the victims’ family.”
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the case underscores the urgent need for stronger protective measures for victims of domestic violence to prevent such devastating tragedies.