Laurel County man accused of murdering his girlfriend

Laurel County, Ky. - Sheriff John Root is reporting that detective Charlie Loomis arrested Christopher Byrd age 29 of Hickory Road, London on Sunday morning July 5, 2015 at approximately 2:30 AM. The arrest occurred after deputies were dispatched to a shooting complaint at a residence on Hickory road at 11:05 P.M. Saturday night, approximately 5 miles west of London.

Laurel Sheriff's Sgt. Brett Reeves, along with Deputy Andrew Lawson, CSO Travis Napier, KSP Trooper Chris Saunders arrived at the scene and found Shannon Engle age 22 dead on the bedroom floor with a single gunshot wound to the head.

During the investigation conducted by Sheriff's Detective Loomis, it was learned that the two individuals who were boyfriend and girlfriend, had apparently been involved in a domestic dispute.

Christopher Byrd admitted firing the fatal shot. A .25 caliber semi automatic pistol has been recovered.

Christopher Byrd was charged with murder – domestic violence and was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.

An autopsy will be conducted in Frankfort on Monday.

Assisting at the scene was Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, the Laurel County Coroner's office, and Constable Bobby Smith.

Photo of accused is courtesy of the Laurel County Detention Center.