COLUMBIA, Ky. — Kentucky State Police are investigating a trooper-involved shooting and the deaths of three people discovered at separate residences following a violent standoff in Adair County on Monday.

According to KSP Post 15, the incident began during the morning hours when the Adair County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported disturbance and shooting at a residence on Chestnut Grove Road in Columbia.

Dispatchers indicated that a man reported his brother had been shot inside the home, police said.

When deputies arrived, they were met with gunfire from inside the residence. One deputy was forced to take cover near her cruiser as shots continued, and she was later safely removed from the area.

Law enforcement identified the suspect as Ryan Sneed, 39, of Columbia.

Officials say Sneed barricaded himself inside the residence and continued firing sporadically throughout the day, preventing officers from entering the home.

The Kentucky State Police Special Response Team was called to the scene to assist during the standoff. Over several hours, law enforcement attempted to communicate with Sneed and negotiate a peaceful resolution.

During that time, Sneed also allegedly made threats involving family members.

As investigators checked on those individuals, troopers discovered two additional deaths at separate residences in Adair County.

Sneed’s mother, 67-year-old Joyce Sneed, was found deceased at a home on Lakeview Drive, and his aunt, 63-year-old Debra Clark, was found dead at a residence on Henson Road.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene by the Adair County Coroner.

After the barricade continued for several hours, members of the KSP Special Response Team eventually rescued pinned-down deputies and another individual from the Chestnut Grove Road area.

Shortly before 7 p.m., Sneed exited the residence while armed. Members of the KSP SRT discharged their agency-issued firearms, striking him.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner. No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.

Following the conclusion of the standoff, investigators entered the Chestnut Grove Road residence and located a third deceased individual, identified as 37-year-old Michael Adam Curry. He was also pronounced dead at the scene.

KSP says all other family members have been accounted for and are safe.

The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has been requested to investigate the trooper-involved shooting. Separately, Post 15 detectives, led by Detective Josh Dicken, are investigating the three deaths.

Officials say multiple local and regional agencies assisted throughout the extensive response.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities say additional details will be released as they become available while protecting the integrity of the case.