Booneville Resident Charged in Fatal Shooting on Left Fork Holly Road

On December 20, 2025, shortly before 2:00 p.m., Kentucky State Police troopers and detectives responded at the request of the Owsley County Sheriff’s Department after a deceased female was discovered inside a residence on Left Fork Holly Road in Booneville. The preliminary investigation found that 55 year old Cloyd Burkhart of Booneville fatally shot 51 year old Crystal Sexton of Booneville following an argument inside the home. Burkhart was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Burkhart was charged with Murder, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. He was lodged in the Three Forks Detention Center. The investigation is being led by Kentucky State Police Detective Casey Caudill and remains ongoing. KSP personnel were assisted at the scene by the Owsley County Sheriff’s Office and the Owsley County Coroner’s Office.

The incident has immediate and broader implications for Owsley County. A fatal shooting in a tight knit community compounds existing concerns about public safety, and places pressure on limited local resources for investigation, victim services, and public information. The involvement of the Kentucky State Police reflects the county reliance on state law enforcement for major criminal incidents, and it underscores the need for clear communication between state and local agencies during an active investigation.

The charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon highlights policy questions about enforcement of firearm prohibitions and the systems that track and prevent prohibited purchases or possession. Local officials and law enforcement leaders will face decisions about resource allocation, community outreach, and preventive strategies to reduce violent confrontations in private homes.

For residents, the case is likely to prompt calls for transparency and timely updates as the investigation continues and moves through the justice system. The outcome of criminal proceedings will determine next steps for prosecution and community response. Authorities have said the investigation remains active, and additional information will be developed as Detective Casey Caudill and investigative teams continue their work.