Police arrest suspect in homicide investigation after man found dead near Lexington park
The Lexington Police Department has made an arrest in a homicide investigation launched early Tuesday, after a man was found dead in a downtown intersection.
The body was found at approximately 12:22 a.m. Tuesday at Shropshire Avenue and E. Third Street. The location is near the Charles Young Park and Center.
An officer was patrolling the area when they found a vehicle blocking the intersection, according to police. The officer investigated and found a man dead with a gunshot wound.
The Fayette County Coroner’s Office identified the man as Devin Chenault, 37. He was pronounced dead on scene at 1:18 a.m.
Police announced Tuesday night that they had arrested Jerrico Roberts, 36, charging him with murder in connection with Chenault’s death.
Police said they had learned during the investigation Tuesday that the shooting might have happened in the 1800 block of Liberty Road.
Police originally said they were treating the incident as a death investigation but provided an update around 7:42 a.m. saying it was now being investigated as a homicide.
Roberts was being held in the Fayette County Detention Center Tuesday night. Police said in addition to the charges related to the shooting, he was also being held on charges from outstanding warrants.
He’s charged with murder, second-degree assault — domestic violence, tampering with physical evidence and possession of a handgun by convicted felon, police said in the release.
Police’s Personal Crimes Section is investigating the incident. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Lexington Police at (859) 258-3600. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Bluegrass Crime Stoppers by calling (859) 253-2020 or visiting bluegrasscrimestoppers.com.
It’s the fourth homicide of the year and the second this month. On April 30 last year the city reported its fifth homicide, according to Lexington police data.
In 2023 Lexington reported 24 homicides, fewer than the record-breaking year of 2022, when 44 killings took place. The last time Lexington reported 24 or fewer homicides in a year was in 2018, according to Lexington police data, which dates back to 2008.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
Herald-Leader staff writer Karla Ward contributed to this report.
