“Attempt to Locate Order”: Former Police Captain Dies by Suicide After Killing Mother in Berea

A former police captain died by suicide early Sunday after killing his mother in Berea, triggering a multi-county manhunt that ended along Interstate 75 in Whitley County, authorities said.

Kevin Berry, 51, was found dead inside his vehicle on I-75 just before a Williamsburg police officer was able to approach the scene. Investigators say Berry had been the subject of an active search after the killing of his mother, Margie Berry, 77, at her home on Leslie Drive in Madison County shortly after midnight on Dec. 14.

Law enforcement agencies began pursuing Berry following the killing, issuing an “attempt to locate order” as officers worked to track his movements south along I-75. The Madison County coroner later confirmed that the homicide and Berry’s death were connected, formally linking the murder and suicide around 1:30 p.m., not long after the manhunt intensified.

Authorities said Berry was spotted traveling through Whitley County and the Williamsburg area, heading in the direction of Jellico. WBNO reported that officers pursued Berry as he continued southbound on the interstate. The chase ended when Berry crashed his vehicle near Williamsburg.

Williamsburg Assistant Chief of Police Brandon White told WKYT that he observed Berry’s car as it appeared to pull onto the shoulder of the northbound lanes. Instead of stopping safely, the vehicle continued into a grassy area before rolling and striking a brick wall.

After the crash, officers attempted to communicate with Berry and persuade him to exit the vehicle. Police said they initially held back while assessing the scene for safety concerns. When officers later approached the wrecked car, they discovered Berry was dead inside. Authorities said his death was the result of suicide.

The unfolding investigation led to significant traffic disruptions across the region. The manhunt and subsequent crash forced the closure of Interstate 75 in both directions near the 12.5-mile marker for several hours on Sunday. According to LEX18, traffic quickly backed up as drivers were diverted onto surrounding roads.

US 25 and Highway 26 experienced congestion, and Exits 15 and 11 along I-75 were also affected as motorists attempted to navigate around the shutdown. The Whitley County Sheriff’s Department later confirmed that all lanes of I-75 have since reopened and traffic has returned to normal.

Details surrounding the killing of Margie Berry remain limited, and investigators have not publicly released information about what may have led to the fatal incident inside the Leslie Drive home. Authorities have not indicated whether anyone else was present at the residence at the time of the killing.

Kevin Berry previously served as a captain with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, according to LEX18. His law enforcement background added to the shock felt across multiple communities as news of the killing and suicide spread. Officials have not said how long Berry served in that role or when he left the department.

Law enforcement agencies from Madison County, Whitley County, and the Williamsburg Police Department were involved in the response, coordinating efforts during the manhunt and the subsequent investigation.

Authorities said the case remains under investigation as they finalize reports and notify next of kin. No additional suspects are being sought, and officials have emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available. In the U.S., the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, offering free, confidential support 24 hours a day.