Winchester Man With Domestic Violence History Kills Ex-Girlfriend, Then Himself in Apparent Murder-Suicide

WINCHESTER, KENTUCKY — A tragic murder-suicide in Winchester on Friday night has left two people dead and renewed focus on Kentucky’s ongoing struggle with domestic violence and protective order enforcement.

Police identified the victims as 35-year-old Ava Brantley and 38-year-old Tyler Snowden, who authorities say had previously been in a relationship. Investigators believe Snowden broke into Brantley’s home, killed her, and then turned the gun on himself.

Police Say Protective Order Was Filed One Day Before the Shooting

According to Winchester Police Chief Travis Thompson, officers found both Brantley and Snowden dead inside the home late Friday. Investigators say Snowden parked his vehicle on a nearby street, walked behind several houses, and broke in through a back window before carrying out the attack.

“We feel confident that he’s the perpetrator,” Chief Thompson said. “He came onto the scene, took her life, and then took his own.”

Court records reveal that Brantley had filed for an emergency protective order (EPO) against Snowden just one day before the shooting, and a domestic violence order (DVO) was granted by the court.

Snowden’s Documented History of Violence

This wasn’t the first time Snowden faced domestic violence allegations. According to court records, he was arrested in September 2024 after allegedly attempting to run over a previous girlfriend with his truck.

An arrest citation from that case stated the victim told police, “I was struck by the truck and thought Tyler was going to kill me because he had told me he would before.”

Snowden was charged with assault under extreme emotional disturbance and wanton endangerment. He later pleaded guilty and, in September 2025, was sentenced to seven years in prison but granted a two-year diversion program instead.

Under the diversion terms, Snowden was barred from owning firearms, required to undergo anger management counseling, and prohibited from contacting the prior victim.

Deadly Outcome One Month Into Diversion Program

Barely a month into his diversion program, Snowden allegedly became involved in another domestic dispute — this time with Brantley — which ended in tragedy.

Police say this case highlights serious gaps in monitoring offenders with violent histories, particularly those granted leniency despite prior threats and assault convictions.

Anyone affected by domestic violence can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for confidential support.

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