BURKESVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police are investigating a murder in Cumberland County following a shooting that left a Burkesville man dead Tuesday evening.

According to Kentucky State Police Post 15, troopers were called during the evening hours of April 14, 2026, by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance with a shooting investigation on Red Banks Road.

When deputies and EMS arrived, they initially responded to a reported single-vehicle crash. However, investigators later determined the male occupant of the vehicle, identified as 60-year-old James Edens of Burkesville, had suffered a gunshot wound.

Edens was transported to Cumberland County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by the Cumberland County Coroner.

Investigators said the incident stemmed from a verbal altercation between Edens and his wife, 52-year-old Heather Edens, at a residence on Red Banks Road prior to the crash. During the dispute, authorities say Heather Edens discharged a firearm, striking her husband and causing injuries that led to his death.

Heather Edens was arrested and charged with murder. She was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Detective Zach Scott with Kentucky State Police.