Funeral arrangements set for victims of apparent Lee County murder-suicide

BEATTYVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Funeral arrangements for the couple found dead in Lee County on Monday, June 16, have been announced.

According to Kentucky State Police, the investigation began just after 4:20 p.m. on Monday when Lee County Sheriff Joe Lucas discovered two bodies while conducting a welfare check at a home on Sally Davis Road.

They were identified as 28-year-old Hayley Davidson and 48-year-old Bearl D. Ashcraft Jr. KSP’s initial investigation determined that the two were in a romantic relationship and believed Ashcraft had shot Davidson before taking his own life.

Hayley Davidson

A Deaton Funeral Home obituary reads as follows.

“Hayley Michelle Davidson, age 28, of Beattyville, KY, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025, in Beattyville, KY. She was born June 4, 1997, in Hazard, KY. She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Reed and Stella Haddix, and her paternal grandfather, Gene Curtis. Paternal grandmother: Marilyn Taulbee. Aunt: Kimberly Haddix. She is survived by her husband, Travis Davidson of Jackson, KY. Parents: Michael and Linda Curtis of London, KY. Paternal grandmother: Sue Curtis of Somerset, KY. Two sons: Clayton and Lincoln of Jackson, KY. One daughter: Audrey of Jackson, KY. She is also survived by a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and many other family and friends,” the obituary reads.

According to the funeral home, family members will host a private visitation and funeral service, and a burial at Jackson Cemetery will follow. The obituary did not specify dates and times.

Since the news of her death, social media has been flooded with support from those who knew Davidson and even those who didn’t.

“I was so sad to learn the news of Hayley Davidson, a social worker for the state, whose life was taken too soon by a senseless act in Lee County,” Gov. Andy Beshear wrote. “Please join Britainy and me, and all of Team Kentucky, in praying for her family and loved ones during this unimaginable time. We will also be providing crisis support to Hayley’s team members, who are mourning her loss.”

A friend of Davidson’s even created a petition for lawmakers to create a domestic violence offender registry.

Davidson’s father, Michael, has organized a fundraiser to ease the burden of funeral expenses. Anything left over will reportedly go to Davidson’s three children.

Bearl Ashcraft Jr.

A Scobee Funeral Home obituary reads as follows.

“Bearl Ashcraft Jr., 47, passed away, Monday, June 16, 2025. Born in Clark County on June 20, 1977 he was the son of Bearl Sr. and Cheryl Ginter Ashcraft. In addition to his parents he is survived by his sons, Nicholas (Brooklyn) Ashcraft, Lincoln Ashcraft; grandchildren, Grant, Piper, Zoe; siblings, Ryan (Lauren) Ashcraft, Lisa Rhonemus; nieces and nephews, Avery, Caden, Colton; aunts, Barbara Mason, Tenna (Jerry) Nicely, Judy (Joe) Jackson as well as numerous extended family members,” the obituary read.

A visitation will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 19. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 20. Ashcraft will be buried in the Winchester Cemetery.

On Wednesday afternoon, Ashcraft’s brother, Ryan Ashcraft, stated to the media that Davidson and Ashcraft’s passing was heartbreaking. The Ashcraft family said they remember Bearl as a “kind, loving soul” and that his death came as a shock.

You can read the entire letter here.