UPDATE: (8/10/21 4 A.M.) – The FBI and ATF are now offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the identification, arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy.
According to Louisville Police, 26-year-old Brandon Shirley was ambushed and shot last Thursday morning while working a security job off-duty. He later died at the hospital.
Louisville’s Police Chief Erika Shields said they don’t believe this was a random act and that Shirley was targeted.
Anyone with information on Shirley’s death can submit a tip by calling the FBI at (502) 263-6000, ATF at (888) ATF-TIPS or LMPD at (502) 574-5673. You can also submit a tip online with the FBI HERE or with the ATF HERE.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVQ/WHAS) — A Jefferson County sheriff’s deputy is dead after police say he was ambushed in Shively.
Sheriff John Aubrey said 26-year-old Deputy Brandon Shirley was working an off-duty security job at Rockford Lane Auto Sales at around 2:30 a.m. Thursday when someone shot him. Shirley was taken to University of Louisville Hospital, where he later died.
Louisville police are leading the investigation into Shirley’s death.
LMPD’s Public Integrity Unit canvassed the neighborhood Thursday morning, and spokesperson Alicia Smiley said K9 and air units are helping the investigation.
LMPD Chief Erika Shields said police know Shirley was targeted and ambushed.
“If someone is really determined to kill you, they’re going to kill you, and that was the case here,” Shields said.
Shields said LMPD does have persons of interest, but did not give any additional details.
Shirley joined the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in March 2019.
Aubrey said Shirley received a medal of valor for his work during protests in 2020, specifically his work responding to the shooting of photographer Tyler Gerth and helping arrest the person who shot him.
“Brandon was a hard-working, proactive deputy, really dedicated to his duties,” Major George Grissom said. “Everybody liked him…he was a good person, a good person to be around.”
Officers have taped off Rockford Lane at Dover Road where Rockford Lane Auto Sales is located.
Shields said LMPD will work to arrest those responsible for Shirley’s death.
“We will make an arrest,” Shields said. “Grieving comes later. We have a job to do.”
