BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky State Police (KSP) are investigating a disturbing double homicide after two adults were found dead early Thursday morning on Big Stoner Road. One man, 19-year-old Christopher Taulbee, is now in custody and charged with two counts of murder.
Authorities identified one of the victims as 20-year-old Dixie Brainard, a devoted young mother and the oldest of five siblings. The second victim, an unidentified male, has not yet been publicly named. According to investigators, Taulbee allegedly shot Brainard in the head and then stabbed the male victim in the throat before striking him with a baseball bat.
Taulbee, believed to be the father of Brainard’s young son, was arrested later that day without incident at the Rowan/Carter County line. He is currently being held in the Bourbon County Jail.
Dixie Brainard’s father, Daniel Brainard, described his daughter as strong, caring, and passionate. “She was my little stinker,” he recalled, sharing memories of the time they spent welding and working on cars. He also emphasized the impact of domestic violence, calling the killings “jealousy and rage at its worst.”
“She didn’t deserve this,” he said. “No one does.”
Bourbon County Dispatch received the initial emergency call and contacted KSP for assistance. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office and the Paris Police Department, are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
As the community mourns, Brainard’s family says they plan to care for her son and keep her memory alive. Support and counseling are being made available to family and friends grappling with the tragedy.
Officials are reminding the public that help is available for those experiencing domestic abuse. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at (800) 799-7233, or by texting BEGIN to 88788.
The investigation remains active, and police have not yet revealed a motive or additional details. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact KSP as they continue gathering evidence in this heartbreaking case.
