Kentucky Man Arrested for Allegedly Shooting Wife and Mother-in-Law

the location of the home where Michael Hunt allegedly killed his wife Emily and her mother Beth Simmons (YouTube/WHAS). Inset top: Beth and Emily Simmons (via GoFundMe). Inset bottom: Michael Hunt

Michael Hunt, 32, is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting his wife, Emily Hunt, 33, and her mother, Beth Simmons, 56, in the head in Pleasureville, Kentucky. The incident occurred on Friday night, according to the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded to a call about a possible shooting at 8:40 p.m. Upon arrival, they found Beth Simmons dead and Emily Hunt critically injured. Emily was transported to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries the following afternoon.

Hunt was arrested the next night and reportedly confessed to the shootings, stating he "had a job to take both females out," according to an arrest citation obtained by local Fox affiliate WDRB.

Neighbors expressed shock and disbelief over the incident. Rita Stout, a neighbor, recounted hearing what she initially thought were fireworks. "I heard the shots," she told CBS affiliate WLKY. "There were like six bangs that went off."

Her granddaughter, Areyanna Brown, mentioned that while gunshots are not unusual in their rural area, the nature of the incident was unexpected. "We’re kind of like in the country, so it’s not weird to hear people shoot their gun," she said.

Stout noted that she had moved to the rural area seeking peace, away from suburban violence. "We moved out in the country, we thought, you know, to get away from stuff like that," she said. "We lived in a subdivision, and now it’s this."

Capt. Blake Lisby of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office commented on the impact of the tragedy on the local community, highlighting that the Simmons family was well-known and active in the area. "The Simmons family is very well known in the community, as far as I know, lifelong residents, very active in the community and the community’s definitely shaken at this point," he told WDRB.

The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time. In a statement reported by ABC affiliate WHAS, they expressed gratitude for the community's support and mentioned that a public service will be held to honor Beth and Emily once funeral arrangements are finalized. "We are grateful for the love and support that we have received from the community during this difficult time and ask for continued privacy," the statement read. "Once funeral arrangements have been made, a public service will be held to celebrate Beth and Emily."