Deputies found Brian and Keyata Harman dead at a home near Bardstown after responding to a reported shooting Tuesday morning.
BARDSTOWN, Ky. — Authorities are investigating an apparent murder-suicide after a husband and wife were found dead Tuesday morning at a Nelson County home north of Bardstown, according to the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and local reports.
The Nelson County Coroner’s Office identified the couple as Brian Harman, 54, and Keyata Harman, 52. Deputies responded shortly after 8 a.m. Nov. 10 to a reported shooting at a home on Harley Drive, about five miles north of Bardstown. Officers found an adult man and woman dead from gunshot wounds.
The sheriff’s office initially said investigators believed the shooting was an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public. Officials withheld the victims’ names and details about the circumstances while relatives were being notified and the investigation continued.
Later reporting identified the deaths as an apparent murder-suicide. WLKY reported that investigators said the husband allegedly killed his wife. Authorities have not publicly released a detailed account of the shooting, and no motive has been announced.
Court records cited by local news organizations show Keyata Harman filed for divorce on Oct. 15. WDRB+WAVE reported that the couple had been separated since Sept. 1, 2025. The records also state that the couple had four children together. Authorities have not said whether the divorce proceedings were connected to the deaths.
The shooting occurred at a residence in the Harley Drive and Bloomfield Road area. Deputies and detectives responded after receiving the shooting report shortly after 8 a.m. The Nelson County Coroner’s Office later confirmed the identities of both people who died.
A neighbor, Nancy Ulrich, told WDRB+WAVE that the Harmans had not caused problems in the neighborhood and described them as helpful neighbors. She said Keyata Harman was outgoing and friendly while Brian Harman was more reserved. Her comments reflected the shock among people who knew the couple as investigators worked to establish what happened.
Keyata Harman was also well known through her work with local students. She taught at Bardstown Middle School and served as the head volleyball coach at Nelson County High School. The high school said she had spent more than two decades teaching students and coaching volleyball, including the past two seasons as head coach.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office has continued to treat the deaths as an active investigation. Officials have not publicly released a motive or a more detailed sequence of events leading to the shooting. The agency’s early findings indicated the incident was isolated and that the broader community was not in danger.
Author note: Last updated Nov. 11, 2026.