KSP: Attack on slain Bardstown officer was ‘premeditated, deliberate murder

Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbins answers questions from the media during a press conference held Sunday afternoon at KSP Post 4 in Elizabethtown. Click to enlarge (a new window will open).

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette

Sunday, May 26, 2013 5 p.m. — The shooting death of Bardstown Police Officer Jason Ellis was a premeditated, deliberate murder, KSP investigators said Sunday at a press conference.

Investigators have determined that after finishing his regular shift at 2 a.m., Ellis was on his way home when he stopped on the eastbound exit ramp of the BG Parkway to remove debris from the roadway when he was viciously attacked.

Norm Chaffins, right, public affairs officer of KSP Post 4, talks to the media during Sunday’s press conference at the Elizabetown KSP post. At left, Rick McCubbin, Bardstown Police chief, and center, Bardstown Police Capt. Tom Roby. Click to enlarge (a new window will open).

“Ellis was shot multiple times and ambushed as he exited his cruiser.” Norm Chaffins, Kentucky State Police Post 4 public affairs officer said. “Officer Ellis never fired a shot.”

KSP investigators believe the debris was put in the roadway deliberately. “Someone planned this, and someone planned to shoot someone at that location,” Chaffins said. It is unclear if Ellis was the intended victim, or if another officer or other person was the intended target.

Motorists who exited the ramp prior to the attack had driven around the debris.

Capt. William J. Ward, E’town KSP Post 4 commander, discusses the case with the media during Sunday’s press conference in E’town.

There are no suspects at this time, investigators said, which is why they were asking the public for help solving this crime.

“The bottom line is that no stone will be left unturned, Capt. William J. Ward, KSP Post 4 commander, told the assembled media. “We are ready to use everything within our means to bring this person or persons to justice.”

Ward emphasized the importance of the public’s role in helping solve this case. “Nothing is unimportant,” Ward said. “If you have anything that could be of relevance, we ask that you call us.”

“Rest assured we’re using every possible resource to bring this person to justice,” Chaffins added.

A reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder.

To contact KSP, visit www.kentuckystatepolice.org, or call the E’town Post at (270) 766-5078. To contact the Bardstown Police Department, call (502) 348-6811.

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