Joshua Dale Starnes, a 44-year-old man, was fatally shot on the evening of May 30, 2026, in the Pleasure Ridge Park neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. The incident occurred around 9:40 p.m. in the 6200 block of Ree Court, where officers from the Louisville Metro Police Department responded to reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered Starnes suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite life-saving efforts by the police and emergency medical services, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene. A devoted union electrician for the IBEW Local 369, Starnes was remembered for his love of fishing, hunting, and grilling. He was an avid fan of the University of Louisville and enjoyed attending football games with his wife of 26 years, with whom he shared three daughters.
The investigation into the shooting led to the arrest of 22-year-old Micah Lackey. According to police reports, the events leading to the fatal confrontation began with a vehicular incident. Lackey was reportedly driving under the influence of alcohol and was involved in a car crash, from which he allegedly fled the scene. Subsequently, he stopped in front of a home on Ree Court, where an argument ensued with another individual, culminating in the shooting of Joshua Starnes. It was a senseless act of violence that tragically cut short the life of a beloved husband and father.
Following the incident, Micah Lackey was taken into custody by the Louisville Metro Police Department's Homicide Unit and is facing multiple charges, including murder, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, and leaving the scene of an accident. During his arraignment, a judge set his bond at $500,000. The case against Lackey is currently proceeding through the court system. The investigation by the LMPD Homicide Unit remains ongoing. As of now, further details regarding the progression of the trial, or any potential conviction or sentencing, have not been made public as the legal process continues. The case represents a tragic loss for the Starnes family and the Louisville community, highlighting the devastating impact of gun violence.
