The person at the center of this case
Officer Jason Ellis
Cold Case · Open
13 years waiting · since 2013
JASON ELLIS
Justice for Officer Jason Ellis — the trail went cold in 2013, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Who placed the branches on the road and why? Was this a premeditated ambush targeting law enforcement?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2What type of firearm was used and what ballistic evidence was recovered from the scene?
👁️
witness
Lead #3Did the passing motorist who discovered Ellis see any vehicles leaving the area or suspicious activity nearby?
Officer Jason Ellis of the Bardstown Police Department was shot and killed on May 25, 2013, after stopping to clear branches from the Bluegrass Parkway near exit 34—a potential ambush that remains unsolved. The shooter's identity and motive are unknown, leaving questions about whether this was a targeted attack on law enforcement or a random act of violence. With a $50,000 reward offered, investigators continue seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have knowledge of the perpetrator.
Case
#466
FBI Louisville Field Office / Bardstown Police Department
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4What was the exact time of the shooting and were there any 911 calls or radio communications that night?
💡
clue
Lead #5Could this be connected to Ellis's work as a K-9 narcotics handler—did he have enemies from drug cases?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
Murder Victim Bardstown, Kentucky May 25, 2013 On May 25 2013, Officer Jason Ellis was murdered after finishing his shift for the Bardstown, Kentucky Police Department. Ellis had signed off on the radio and was driving home when he encountered branches blocking the road on exit 34 of the Bluegrass Parkway in Bardstown, Kentucky.
To ensure the safety of the public, he got out of his vehicle to clear the branches. While attempting to remove the debris, he was shot several times and died shortly after.
Officer Ellis was discovered by a passing motorist. He was a K-9 handler (narcotics dog) for the police department in addition to his patrol duties.
Outside of work, he was heavily involved in the community including coaching youth baseball.
Timeline of Events
👤
2013-05-25
late eveningOfficer Ellis murdered
Officer Jason Ellis was shot multiple times while clearing branches from the Bluegrass Parkway at exit 34 after finishing his shift and signing off radio.
🔍
2013-05-25
Body discovered
Officer Ellis was discovered by a passing motorist after being shot.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 25, 2013 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case
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Case Information
Incident:May 25, 2013 at Invalid Date
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Up to $50,000 Reward
For information leading to the resolution of this case