2 dead, 1 shot outside Elizabethtown courthouse; Suspect shoots self after standoff with police

By Joseph Garcia

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (WHAS11) — Authorities are investigating after a fatal shooting outside the Hardin County Justice Center in Elizabethtown early Monday morning.

The Elizabethtown Police Department said three people were shot in the courthouse’s parking lot just before 9 a.m.

Thirty-seven-year-old Erica Riley, who was dating the suspect, died.

Police also confirmed her mother, 71-year-old Janet Riley of Hardinsburg, was also shot and taken to the hospital where she later died from her injury.

There is also one additional shooting victim who is in stable condition. Their identity has not been released.

Police were on the lookout for 46-year-old Christopher Elder, who is accused of shooting both women.

Elder had fled the scene and led police on a chase in western Kentucky.

Police said that situation ended in a standoff in which Elder shot himself. He is currently in the hospital in critical condition.

According to court records, Elder was supposed to be in court at 9 a.m. on an emergency protective order in a domestic violence case.

Several nearby school districts were on a soft lockdown Monday morning after the shooting in an abundance of caution, however those lockdowns have since lifted.

This is a developing story. It will be updated when more information becomes available.