On January 21, 2026, James Culver, a 73-year-old man, was fatally shot in his Henderson, Kentucky, home. The incident, which has been described as a domestic dispute, resulted in the arrest of his 20-year-old grandson, Harold "JC" Farmer.
Authorities were called to the residence on Powell Street around 11:50 a.m. following reports of shots being fired inside. Upon arrival, officers found Culver with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation suggested the shooting occurred during a disturbance involving five family members. Farmer was arrested at the residence and has since been charged with murder. The other four family members present were unharmed and taken to the police headquarters for interviews.
Farmer entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment and is being held at the Henderson County Detention Center on a $500,000 cash bond. A public defender was appointed to represent him, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled. Police have stated that this was an isolated domestic incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
James Culver, also known as "Cowboy," was a United States Army veteran and had served in the Kentucky National Guard. He worked as a diesel mechanic for 28 years. His family, including his daughters Jennifer Farmer, Janet Young, and Loretta Butler, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, survived him.
