In the summer of 2014, the life of 64-year-old Ronnie Earl Hardin came to a tragic end in Central City, Kentucky. On the evening of July 7th, he was fatally shot in the upper torso with a. 357 Ruger revolver. The act of violence occurred at his former marital residence, a place he had returned to use the detached golf shop where he gave lessons and worked on clubs.
The period leading up to his death was marked by personal turmoil. Hardin and his wife of several decades, Brenda, had separated in January 2012 and their divorce was finalized on July 30, 2013. Following the separation and divorce, Brenda's mental and physical health reportedly declined, and she had previously attempted suicide in 2013. Ronnie had since become engaged to another woman, Betty Rule, a development that apparently caused Brenda significant distress. Their son, Brent, had even cautioned his father about returning to the property due to his mother's volatile state.
The investigation into Ronnie Hardin's death quickly focused on his ex-wife. After shooting him, Brenda Hardin ingested a large quantity of prescription medication in a suicide attempt. She then drove to her sister's house and confessed to the killing. Her sister promptly called 911. Brenda was hospitalized in the intensive care unit for several days. During this time, investigators searched her home and discovered several pieces of evidence, including the murder weapon and letters she had written. Some of these letters were suicide notes addressed to family members and to Ronnie's fiancée.
Brenda Hardin was subsequently indicted for murder and tampering with physical evidence. Following her recovery, she was arrested and transported to the Muhlenberg County jail. She was later tried and convicted of murder by a Muhlenberg Circuit Court jury, which recommended a sentence of life imprisonment. The court imposed this sentence. An appeal of her judgment and sentence was later filed.
