Anthony Tyler Rector, a 35-year-old man from Nicholasville, Kentucky, died on Saturday, January 10, 2026, following a shooting incident. His death, which occurred at the University of Kentucky Hospital, is being investigated as a homicide.
The shooting took place around 12:45 a.m. on Edgewood Drive in Nicholasville. Authorities have arrested 25-year-old Tanner Hamilton of Georgetown in connection with the death.
Hamilton has been charged with first-degree manslaughter and is being held at the Jessamine County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.
According to court documents, the shooting was preceded by an argument between Hamilton and Rector. It is alleged that Hamilton had visited Rector's home twice before the fatal confrontation. During the second visit, Hamilton reportedly caused significant damage to Rector's car. After discovering the damage, Rector pursued Hamilton in his vehicle, and the two men pulled over on Edgewood Drive, where the argument escalated. Hamilton informed police that Rector attempted to take his gun during the argument. He also stated that Rector had not threatened him and that he did not see a weapon on him.
Anthony Rector was born on April 12, 1990, in Taylor County, Kentucky. He was an employee at Longhorn Steakhouse in Lexington. He was the husband of Heather Cruise Rector and a father to two daughters, Amillia Rector-Gray and Sawyer Rector, and a stepson, Bryson Derifield.
