In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 16, 2016, in Campbellsville, Kentucky, the life of 35-year-old Tara Nicole Simpson Lamer was tragically cut short in her own home. A call reporting shots fired brought law enforcement to the scene, where they discovered her body. An autopsy would later confirm that she had died from gunshot wounds.
The investigation into her death quickly focused on a suspect, 36-year-old Rocky Ashby.
It was reported that Lamer had sought and obtained an Emergency Protective Order against him prior to her death, indicating a history of fear and potential conflict. Ashby was considered armed and dangerous, and a search for him was initiated by law enforcement agencies throughout Kentucky.
The day after the shooting, authorities located and arrested Rocky Ashby in Shelby County without incident. He was subsequently charged with murder in connection with Tara Simpson Lamer's death. Following his arrest, he was held in Shelby County, awaiting extradition back to Campbellsville to face legal proceedings. Investigators also successfully recovered a stolen vehicle that was connected to the case on the same day.
