Ky. Neighbors Shocked After Teen Killed In Md. Police Shootout

CORBIN, Ky. (WJZ)-- New developments in a Baltimore County police involved shooting that's connected to a triple murder in Kentucky. Authorities are trying to piece together the route taken by a Kentucky teenager accused of killing his family. This, before firing shots at a Baltimore County officer.

Rick Ritter has the latest on the investigation.

What ended in a shootout with Baltimore County police started days before with a gruesome murder. A 16-year-old boy is behind the massacre of his own family, rocking a small town in Kentucky.

"Usually when these things happen, we hear people say things like who would've ever thought that would happened and we're living that right now," said Pastor Drew Mahan, Forward Community Church in Kentucky.

Wednesday afternoon the family's pastor says 16-year-old Jason Hendrix waits for his sister to get home from school before shooting her to death inside their home.

This, before killing his mother and father using a pillow to silence the gun shots.

Later that night, authorities say Jason traveled to a meeting at Forward Community Church where he a gun and ammo inside his car. Pastor Mahan says the church had no knowledge of that.

"Those types of details are really hard for us to deal with because it's just imaginable for us," Mahan said.

Mahan says Hendrix, with only his driver's permit, flees to Maryland, where police try to pull him over for a traffic stop in Harford County, leading them on a chase.

"State police broke off their pursuit around exit 47 when the vehicle went across the median," said Cpl. Wachter, Baltimore County Police.

Baltimore County police pick up the pursuit as Jason slams into another car in Essex. That's when investigators say the 16-year-old fires shots toward police.

"Officers then returned fire, the suspect in the vehicle who was the only occupant of the vehicle was declared deceased at the scene," Wachter said.

The 16-year-old's pastor says it wasn't until police engaged in gunfire with the suspect here in Essex, that authorities in Kentucky had any idea about the murders.

A call from Baltimore County to Corbin Police leads officers to the Hendrix home where all three bodies are found inside.

Those who knew the teen say there was tension between he and his father, but never any signs that could lead to a nightmare like this.

A small community that's asking for prayers during this very difficult time.

"It sounds crazy to say that because people think we had to see something, you had to know something, we knew nothing," said Mahan.

The Baltimore county officer injured in the shooting was wearing a bulletproof vest. Medics rushed him to Shock Trauma where he was treated and released. Family and friends say they're unaware of any ties the suspect had to Maryland.

Another family member, a daughter of the Hendrix family was away at college in Georgia at the time of the killings.

Pastor Drew Mahan and the community of Corbin, Ky is asking for prayers during this very difficult time. Anyone who wants to offer support can reach out to the church by emailing: info@4wardchurch.com

"Gracie will be remembered as a beautiful young lady who loved her cheerleading squad, loved school, and had tons of friends. She had a smile that could light up a room. So many people are hurting because of their loss right now. But, Gracie was an exceptional young lady, and will be missed by hundreds of students, church family, and teachers."

Kevin will be missed by our community! He had a great beekeeping and honey business. He was a regular at our local farmers market downtown Corbin. He worked at the Whitley County clerks office, and has several friends in Corbin. He will be missed by many, but especially by the community involved with the local farmers market. He was a dedicated Christian, who was active in church service.

Sarah was an educator, who loved her students more than anything. She was passionate about her work, and loved the people she was able to work with every day, and especially loved the students whom she taught. She was known for keeping in touch with her students long after they graduated college. She was passionate about helping students transition to life-long careers, and giving them life advice. She was a wonderful mother, and really had a very compassionate heart for people in need.