Shelby County, Ky. – A tranquil Kentucky community is reeling after a devastating shooting early Saturday morning shattered the calm, claiming the life of 40-year-old Jessica Hager in her own home. Her husband, David Hager, described the grievous loss as missing his “everything,” lamenting that life’s cruel twists had taken her far too soon.
David recounted the harrowing moments when the couple was awakened by the breaking of glass and a door being kicked in. He rushed to investigate the noise, leaving the bedroom first and believing his wife was right behind him. Instead, he later realized she had returned to dress, a decision that tragically cost her her life when gunshots echoed through their home.
The shooter was identified by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office as 42-year-old Michael Ramhlow, a close family friend and recently in a relationship with David’s sister. According to David, Ramhlow had shared many days with the family and had even had help from them to move from Wisconsin. The circumstances that led to the shooting remain unclear, but David believes Ramhlow might have been looking for his sister, who stayed with the couple earlier.
The incident unfolded on the usually serene Bagdad Road, renowned for its peaceful rural charm, a stark contrast to the chaos and tragedy that ensued. Longtime residents Clara and Dallas Kelly, who live across the street, expressed their shock at the violence in what they described as a very quiet country neighborhood.
Jessica Hager was remembered warmly by neighbors as a caring and helpful individual. Only last month, she and David had assisted a neighbor experiencing a severe medical emergency due to dangerously low blood sugar levels, effectively saving her life.
Amid the mourning, David pointed to wider systemic issues such as the lack of sufficient mental health care for veterans, particularly critical of the support from the Veterans Affairs, noting that Ramhlow, a former U.S. Marine, was denied the necessary medical assistance for mental health challenges. “It’s his act, but still, the V.A. is behind,” David remarked, highlighting a desperate need for timely and adequate intervention.
Traumatized by the violence in the home they built together, David disclosed his intention to eventually leave the house, though he asserts that moving on from his profound loss will be impossible. He remains hopeful of reuniting with his late wife in another life, holding onto the belief that she will be waiting for him.
Investigations by the sheriff’s office are ongoing, with officials stating that no other suspects are being considered in the case. Meanwhile, Jessica’s bereaved friends and family struggle with the unanswered questions surrounding the circumstances of her death. Close friends and relatives are particularly troubled by the lack of clarity and are desperate for answers to make sense of the tragedy.
In remembrance of her spirited life and as a measure of support for her grieving family, a GoFundMe has been established to assist her children and manage funeral costs. Jessica, a native of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, is set to be laid to rest on Oct. 19, as those who knew her continue to seek understanding and healing in the wake of her untimely death.