Berea, Ky. — Local authorities in Madison County have captured a 75-year-old man after a fatal shooting incident that shocked the community of Berea. The suspect, identified as Steve Gerlaugh, now faces murder charges following the killing of 42-year-old Thomas Rison on his birthday.
Court records reveal that the tragic event was recorded by surveillance cameras, which reportedly captured Gerlaugh in the driver’s seat of a white Toyota Camry as Rison stood by the window. The footage shows a sudden flash from the muzzle of a gun before Rison collapses, leaving law enforcement and a grieving family seeking answers.
The distressing scene unfolded on Baldwin Street late Monday evening, drawing a swift response from local police and substantially disturbing the peace of this small town.
According to the Madison County Coroner’s office, the preliminary investigation indicated that Rison succumbed to a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival at Saint Joseph Berea Hospital, officials said.
Rison, remembered by his family for his recent victories over personal challenges, had been living sober for 18 months following a near two-decade struggle with drug addiction. Patty Rison, his mother, shared her son’s commitment to recovery and his effort to uplift others facing similar battles. “He wanted to make sure I was looked after,” she explained. “He would tell people straight if he thought they weren’t doing right.”
Beyond his support for others in recovery, Rison was known for his diligent work ethic. “Working was his way of staying sober,” Patty added. “He was a painter, and from what everyone tells me, he was excellent at it.”
Patty also spoke of her son’s role as a father, highlighting his bond with his daughter, Chloe. According to Chloe, the past year had brought them much closer, enriching their relationship significantly during her senior year at Madison Southern High School. She described her father as a continual source of encouragement and a great role model, especially through his journey to sobriety.
As Gerlaugh remains detained at the Madison County Detention Center, the community and Rison’s family are left coping with a senseless tragedy, while investigators continue to piece together the motivations behind this devastating incident. Further legal proceedings are awaited as the case progresses, leaving many locals and family members longing for justice and closure in the wake of such profound loss.