Ryan Allan Birse, a 22-year-old male, had a passion for cars that began in his childhood. He was known to sit in church making quiet engine noises with his favorite toy car. Despite facing challenges in school, he successfully graduated from Central Hardin High School and went on to complete a program at Nashville Auto Diesel College to become a mechanic. He was a friendly young man who enjoyed hockey, particularly the Nashville Predators.
His future aspirations included working on cars and becoming a farmer. He was employed at a combination KFC/Taco Bell restaurant in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.
On February 25, 2016, a workplace dispute turned fatal for Ryan. Just days prior, he had a disagreement with a co-worker, Joshua Ratliff, regarding food handling and sanitation. Ryan had reportedly told Ratliff not to touch food after handling the dirty dishwasher and not to cough on the food. On the evening of the 25th, Ratliff, who was not scheduled to work, entered the restaurant and shot Ryan multiple times in the back while he was preparing chicken. It is believed that Ryan never saw his attacker.
Following the shooting, Joshua Ratliff fled the scene, leading police on a chase before he was apprehended. He was subsequently charged with murder. During the trial, testimony revealed the argument over sanitary work habits as the precursor to the tragic event. Ultimately, Ratliff was found 'guilty but mentally ill' and was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the murder of Ryan Birse.
