In the summer of 2014, a domestic dispute in Dry Ridge, Kentucky, escalated into a tragic and violent confrontation that left two people dead. Nicole Hiles, a 33-year-old female, was shot and killed on July 28, 2014, by her estranged husband, Shaun Hiles. The incident, which also resulted in the death of 32-year-old Larry Whiteker, unfolded on a quiet road in Grant County.
Just hours before her death, Nicole had taken steps to protect herself from her husband, from whom she had recently separated. She had sought a protective order, citing harassment and stalking. On the day of the murder, Shaun Hiles had vandalized Nicole's car by ripping the door handles off while she was at work. A friend and coworker, Larry Whiteker, offered to give her a ride home. It was during this drive that Shaun Hiles pursued them in his own vehicle.
The chase ended in a violent crash on Mulligan Road, where Shaun Hiles used his SUV to ram the pickup truck Whiteker was driving. After causing the truck to spin out, Shaun Hiles opened fire, killing both Nicole and Larry. When sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene, they found Shaun Hiles with self-inflicted gunshot wounds to his chest and stomach. He was airlifted to a medical center in critical condition.
While in the hospital, Shaun Hiles confessed to the killings. A Grant County grand jury later indicted him on two counts of murder. His trial revealed a pattern of jealousy and controlling behavior in the days leading up to the murders. Witnesses testified that he had been stalking Nicole and had appeared to be watching Whiteker's residence. He was subsequently held accountable for the deaths of his estranged wife and her friend.
