In the early morning hours of April 15, 2020, the tranquility of a residence on Hempridge Road in Shelby County, Kentucky, was shattered by violence. It was there that 48-year-old Bret Augustine was found deceased by sheriff's deputies just after 5:00 a.m. An investigation by the Kentucky State Police revealed that Bret, a man known for his dedication to his family and his 26-year career at Toyota, had died from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Bret Augustine, born on September 10, 1971, was a hardworking man with a variety of passions. After graduating from Moore High School, he joined the Army Reserves and was assigned to an aviation regiment at Fort Knox. His life in Shelbyville was filled with hobbies that he often shared with his children, including camping, hiking, and rock climbing. A skilled craftsman and an avid outdoorsman, he also enjoyed long motorcycle rides and was a state-certified concealed carry instructor, passionate about teaching firearm safety. Those close to him remember him enjoying quiet moments on his back deck, listening to music with a glass of bourbon.
The investigation into Bret's death quickly led law enforcement to a suspect: his own 18-year-old son, David Augustine. Later that day, authorities located David in Shelby County. A short vehicle pursuit ensued when David failed to stop for law enforcement. Following the chase, he was taken into custody. David Augustine was subsequently arrested and lodged in the Shelby County Detention Center, facing a litany of charges that included murder, fleeing or evading police, resisting arrest, and wanton endangerment of a police officer.
Court proceedings that followed the tragic event began to shed light on the moments leading up to Bret Augustine's death. The narrative that emerged suggested a fight between the father and son escalated, leading to the discharge of a firearm. Further details indicated that after an initial struggle where Bret was shot in the hand, David fled the residence. It was alleged that Bret Augustine then armed himself with an AR-15 and pursued his son, leading to the fatal confrontation.
