In the late winter of 2019, the community of Hazard, Kentucky, was shaken by the violent death of one of its own. Danny Ray Mullins, a 42-year-old male, was killed on the evening of Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The events leading to his death unfolded in the rural area of Big Willard, just outside the Hazard city limits, culminating in a fatal encounter that would leave one man dead and another facing a murder charge.
According to Kentucky State Police, an altercation occurred between
Mullins and another man, later identified as Mark Aaron Napier, who was 38 years old at the time. The two men were inside a vehicle when the dispute escalated. It was during this confrontation that Napier is alleged to have brandished a firearm and shot Mullins. The single gunshot wound proved to be fatal. After the shooting, Napier reportedly drove Mullins to the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center.
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical staff pronounced Danny Ray Mullins dead. The Perry County Coroner's Office later confirmed that his death was a homicide resulting from the gunshot wound. Kentucky State Police were notified of the incident and immediately launched an investigation. Detectives from Post 13 in Hazard began piecing together the events of that tragic evening.
The investigation quickly led authorities to Mark Aaron Napier. He was located, arrested without incident, and charged with the murder of Danny Ray Mullins. Napier was subsequently lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail as he awaited legal proceedings. The swift arrest brought a suspect into custody, beginning the process of seeking justice for the untimely death of Danny Ray Mullins.
