Florence, KY — Tragedy struck a 21st birthday gathering in Florence, Kentucky, early Saturday, resulting in the deaths of four individuals and wounding three others. Authorities identified the assailant as 21-year-old Chase Garvey, who later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after fleeing the scene.
The Florence Police Department responded to emergency calls around 2:50 a.m. from a residence located approximately 11 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio. Upon their arrival, law enforcement officers found multiple victims and learned from partygoers that the shooter had escaped in a vehicle. A collaborative effort between a Florence police officer and a Boone County deputy led to the location of the vehicle. However, Garvey evaded capture momentarily before ultimately shooting himself and crashing the vehicle.
Initial investigations revealed that Garvey was not an invited guest at the birthday party. Police Chief Jeff Mallery highlighted Garvey’s criminal background, noting his prior conviction. Details from past charges indicate that Garvey had legal troubles dating back to his teenage years.
Chief Mallery also identified the victims of the shooting: Melissa Parrett, 44, owned the home where the party took place; Shane Miller, 20; Hayden Rybicki, 20; and Delaney Eary, 19. The community has been left reeling by the violence, marking this incident as Florence’s first encounter with a mass shooting situation. Chief Mallery articulated the emotional weight pressing upon the victims’ families, the community, and the responding officers.
The three other victims injured during the attack are currently receiving treatment at UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, with expectations of a full recovery. In the wake and shock of the violence, Chief Mallery assured the public that there is no further threat, as Garvey acted alone in the assault.
In an effort to process the traumatic event, the Florence Police Department plans to conduct a comprehensive debriefing for all responding officers. Support resources, including peer counseling and medical assistance, will be extended to ensure the well-being of the department’s personnel, many of whom are around the age of the victims.
The investigation continues as the Florence Police Department’s Investigative and Crime Scene Units meticulously examine the details of the incident. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward to assist in piecing together the sequence of events leading up to the tragic shooting.
Community leaders and local officials have organized vigils and support gatherings for those affected. The shooting has sparked a broader conversation about gun violence and safety measures in community celebrations and gatherings. As the small Kentucky community mourns, there is a collective searching for ways to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Individuals with information regarding the incident are encouraged to contact the Florence Police Department, as collective efforts persist to provide peace and closure to the shaken community.