Cumberland Man Charged With Murder After Early-Morning Shooting Leaves Neighbor Dead, KSP Says
HARLAN COUNTY, KY — Kentucky State Police say a 45-year-old Cumberland man has been charged with murder after a deadly shooting that unfolded before sunrise Saturday, leaving a local man fatally wounded at his home. The victim, identified as Brian Johnson, was found with a gunshot wound to the face inside his residence on Coldiron Branch Road.
What Investigators Found
Troopers from KSP Post 10 responded around 4:10 a.m. after receiving a report of an unresponsive man. When officers entered the home, they discovered Johnson gravely injured.
“The victim was located with a gunshot wound and was immediately transported for emergency care,” investigators said.
“Despite all efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.”
Authorities confirmed that Johnson was taken to the hospital but did not survive.
How Police Identified the Suspect
Detectives quickly began interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence at the scene. Within hours, investigators identified James Sizemore, a Cumberland resident, as the suspected shooter.
Sizemore was located on Highway 119 and taken into custody around 7:30 a.m., just three hours after the shooting. He was transported to the Harlan County Detention Center, where he now faces a murder charge.
Police have not yet detailed the motive or circumstances leading up to the shooting.
Agencies Responding to the Scene
The investigation involved multiple local departments, including:
- Cumberland Police Department
- Evarts Police Department
- Harlan County Sheriff’s Department
- AMR Ambulance Service
All agencies assisted Kentucky State Police in securing the scene and locating the suspect.
What Happens Next
Sizemore remains held on the murder charge as detectives continue piecing together what led to the fatal confrontation. No additional details have been released regarding potential witnesses or prior disputes.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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