Horse Branch Shooting Update — Authorities have identified Darin Ray Rice, 39, of Horse Branch, Kentucky, as the man who was found fatally shot early Monday morning in Ohio County as investigators continue working on a homicide case involving a Beaver Dam man who has been charged in connection with the death.
According to the Ohio County Coroner’s Office, Rice was identified as the victim after deputies responded to a reported shooting in the 15000 block of U.S. Highway 62 East near Horse Branch at approximately 3:00 a.m. Monday. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found Rice deceased.
An autopsy was conducted Tuesday morning at the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville. Officials have not released additional details regarding the cause or manner of death as the investigation remains ongoing.
Following the initial response, detectives with the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office identified Jesse Baize, 35, of Beaver Dam, as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting. Baize was later arrested and booked on multiple felony charges related to the incident.
The charges filed against Baize include murder, failure to report the death of a person, criminal trespassing, and tampering with physical evidence. Authorities have not released information regarding what led to the shooting or whether Baize and Rice had any prior relationship.
As part of the continuing investigation, the Ohio County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a search of a nearby lake for additional evidence believed to be connected to the homicide. Officials have not disclosed what specific items investigators are attempting to recover.
The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Ohio County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office, continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rice’s death. Authorities have not announced whether additional charges or arrests are expected.
Investigators have encouraged the public to rely on official updates as the case develops. The investigation remains active, and further details will be released when they become available.
