(WKYT) – Families are grieving after three people were found dead in a car following a domestic violence incident and police chase that started in Knox County.
According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 18-year-old Jadeance Hale and 19-year-old Lila Asher were found dead in a car along with 21-year-old James Priddy after a pursuit that ended on Kentucky 312.
Miranda Hamilton is Lila’s sister, but Lila called her mom and her best friend. She said the girls grew up alongside one another and were best friends.
Hamilton said Jadeance and Priddy were dating, but Jadeance was ready to leave the relationship.
Messages showed fear before incident
Hamilton said she received a message from Jadeance on Saturday at 7:40 p.m. that read: “He’s awake. Omg Banda I’m so scared. I’m just gonna let him go ahead and let him bring me to you guys.”
Hamilton said when Priddy and Jadeance arrived at her family’s home, Hamilton explained to Priddy that Jadeance needed a break. Hamilton said the couple spoke privately as the family watched.
“She said, ‘I don’t want to go with you alone, because I’m afraid you won’t bring me back,’” Hamilton said. “And he said, ‘do you want someone to go with us, then?’ And Lila said, ‘I’ll go with you.’”
After they left, Hamilton said Lila called her and told her they were stopping at Priddy’s house.
“I said no you guys come back right now that wasn’t the deal it was McDonald’s and back,” Hamilton said.
None of them returned home.
“The last phone call I got from my baby, she wasn’t talking to me, she was giving me instructions,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton said she and Jadeance’s mother got into the car and called 911. Hamilton said the last words she shared with her daughter were: “I love you mommy” and “I love you baby” before the phone hung up.
Family believes victims died before chase ended
Hamilton said based on what she has heard, she believes Jadeance and Lila were both gone before the police pursuit ended on Kentucky 312.
Investigators have not confirmed that account.
“My girls didn’t die in Corbin. My girls died in Barbourville,” Hamilton said. “Their aunt and Lila’s brother in law and her daddy could hear them screaming and begging. Lila was saying, ‘Daddy please help us, please get to us.’ And Jadeance said, ‘Uncle Jay please.’ And they heard a gun shot.”
Hamilton said neighbors told her they heard a second gunshot moments later.
Police said the investigation indicates Priddy shot Jadeance Hale and Lila Asher, and then turned the gun on himself.
The tragedy has left Lila’s 5-month-old daughter, Jayley, without a mother.
The baby’s father, Jordan Gray, said he hopes their daughter grows up to be like her mother.
“I just hope our little girl grows up to be just like her mommy. That’s one thing I hope. Because her mommy was one kind of a woman,” Gray said.
Hamilton said she wants anybody who needs help to know that there are resources available.
“Please. Do not stay with someone that you know might hurt you,” Hamilton said.
“I want Lila and Jadeance to know they will never ever be forgotten,” Hamilton said.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the girls.