Pike County, KY: Alleged murder-suicide leaves a husband & wife dead

An alleged murder-suicide inside a Pike County grocery store leaves a husband and wife dead.
Posted: 5:57 PM Oct 4, 2010
Reporter: Angela Sparkman
Email Address: angela.sparkman@wymtnews.com
Alleged murder-suicide leaves a husband & wife dead

An alleged murder-suicide inside a Pike County grocery store leaves a husband and wife dead.

It happened early Monday morning at the Johns Creek Grocery on Bent Branch Road.

38-year-old Jeanette Leedy was an employee; police say her husband, 44-year-old Jimmy Leedy, shot her and then himself.

Police are still looking for answers as to what led to the shooting, but say it appears Jimmy Leedy came here with the intention to kill his wife.

Johns Creek Grocery Owner says Jeanette Leedy had just opened the store shortly after six in the morning and was taking care of customers when her husband came in.

“There were three other customers who came in the store, and he pulled a gun out and made them leave. it wasn't just a few minutes, till he killed her and took his own life,” Garry Thornsberry said.

The three customers called 911, but police say the couple was dead when they arrived. Store Owner Garry Thornsberry was one of the last to talk to Jeanette Leedy before the shooting.

“Just chit-chatted with her for a few minutes and then left and went home. i had no idea, never even crossed my mind something like this would happen,” Thornsberry said.

Family members were too upset to talk on camera but say they do not know what led to the shooting.

“The detectives are still contacting people, trying to determine what caused this event to occur. That's all the information we have at this time,” Trooper Shaun Little said.

Kevin Tackett lives next door to the store.

“I talked to her every day when I walked over. She seemed like a very nice lady. I didn't see nothing that would lead to that. I didn't expect it at all,” Kevin Tackett said.

Now the store employees are trying to cope with what happened and say she will always be missed.

State police detectives say their investigation is ongoing.

Family members say Jeanette Leedy leaves behind three children.