BURKESVILLE, Ky. (April 15, 2026) – During the evening hours of April 14, 2026, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) requesting investigative assistance regarding a shooting incident at a residence on Red Banks Road in Cumberland County.
KSP Troopers and Detectives responded to the area and launched an investigation into the incident. The preliminary investigation found that the CCSO had received a report of a single-vehicle collision on Red Banks Rd. Upon the arrival of the CCSO Deputy, along with EMS personnel, they discovered that the male occupant, identified as 60-year-old James Edens, of Burkesville, had suffered a gunshot wound. Mr. Edens was transported to the Cumberland County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Cumberland County Coroner.
Detectives learned that Mr. Edens and his wife, Heather Edens, 52, of Burkesville, were involved in a verbal altercation at a residence, also on Red Banks Road, just prior to the vehicle collision. During the altercation, it was determined that Ms. Edens had discharged a firearm, striking Mr. Edens with a projectile, causing injuries leading to his death.
Detectives subsequently arrested and charged Heather Edens with Murder. Ms. Edens was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.
The investigation continues and is being led by Detective Zach Scott. He was assisted by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Burkesville Police Department, Cumberland County EMS, Cumberland County Coroner’s Office, and other KSP Troopers and Detectives.
(Trooper Jonathan Houk – Kentucky State Police Post 15)