In a quiet neighborhood in Shelbyville, Kentucky, the life of a 10-year-old boy named Eric Perez was tragically cut short on a Sunday afternoon. On November 21, 2021, police and emergency services were dispatched to a home on Zelkova Drive around 2:20 p.m. following reports of a shooting. Inside, they found young Eric suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to UofL Health - Shelbyville Hospital, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries.
Neighbors were left in shock, remembering Eric as a fun and energetic little boy who was full of life. The community was deeply affected by the loss of a child under such sudden and violent circumstances. As the investigation began, authorities sought to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. The initial findings of the Shelbyville Police Department suggested that the shooting was accidental.
A person of interest, 28-year-old Treymont Rucker-McKellery, was identified by investigators. Described as a friend of the family, Rucker-McKellery had reportedly brought the gun into the house and had left the scene with another family friend after the incident occurred. He was later contacted by police and was said to be very distraught over the boy's death. After speaking with Rucker-McKellery and other witnesses, the preliminary conclusion of an accidental shooting was maintained.
In the wake of the tragedy, the case was turned over to the Commonwealth's Attorney's office for further review to determine if any charges would be filed. The community, meanwhile, came together to support the grieving family, with local groups helping to arrange funeral costs. To aid students and staff in coping with the loss, Shelby County Public Schools made counselors available at the elementary schools Eric had attended.
