A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting outside a Kentucky driver’s licensing office that claimed three lives in February 2025. Authorities say the suspect was 17 years old at the time of the attack, so his identity has not been released.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) announced the arrest during a Thursday press conference, saying the suspect faces charges of murder, wanton endangerment, and receiving stolen property. Investigators say the case remains active as they continue searching for additional suspects.
Gunmen Opened Fire on Crowd Waiting Outside DMV
According to LMPD Homicide Unit Commander Lt. Les Skaggs, the shooting happened on Feb. 21, 2025, outside the Valley Station driver’s license office in Louisville, Kentucky.
A large crowd had gathered outside the office, with people waiting in line, when three armed suspects approached the location. Police say all three suspects suddenly opened fire into the crowd before fleeing the scene.
Lt. Skaggs noted that several marked Louisville Metro Police vehicles were parked next door at a nearby business where officers were eating lunch when the shooting occurred. Officers responded immediately after hearing the gunfire, but the suspects had already escaped.
The gunmen ran to a waiting vehicle and fled before police could apprehend them.
Three Victims Were Killed
The shooting claimed the lives of three people:
- Raysa Pacios Valdes, 29
- Leslye Harbin Jr., 18
- Antwanette Chillers, 33
Harbin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Chillers, who was Harbin’s mother, and Valdes were transported to a nearby hospital but later died from their injuries. Authorities confirmed that all three victims died from gunshot wounds.
Stolen Vehicle Used as Getaway Car
During the investigation, detectives discovered that the suspects escaped in a vehicle stolen from a dealership several days before the shooting.
Police later recovered the vehicle and processed it for forensic evidence. Lt. Skaggs said investigators executed approximately 50 search warrants over the course of the investigation while working to identify those responsible.
DNA Evidence Helped Identify Suspects
After nearly 17 months of investigation, police arrested one suspect.
Investigators said DNA evidence played a significant role in identifying individuals believed to have been involved in the shooting.
Lt. Skaggs revealed that additional DNA profiles have led investigators to identify other possible participants in the attack. However, one person identified through DNA evidence has since been killed in an unrelated homicide.
Police continue searching for another suspect believed to have taken part in the shooting and are asking the public for assistance.
Family Says Arrest Reopened Painful Memories
The arrest brought mixed emotions for the victims’ families.
Jamilia Chillers, the sister of Antwanette Chillers and aunt of Leslye Harbin Jr., said learning about the arrest immediately reminded her of the devastating day her family lost two loved ones.
She said receiving news of the arrest felt similar to the phone call informing her that both her sister and nephew had been among the victims outside the DMV, describing the emotional impact as overwhelming.
The victim was renewing her identification
According to a GoFundMe campaign created for Raysa Pacios Valdes, she had gone to the Valley Station driver’s license office simply to renew her identification when the shooting occurred.
She is survived by her husband and two young sons.
Investigation Continues
Although one suspect is now in custody, Louisville Metro Police emphasized that the investigation is far from over.
Detectives are continuing to pursue additional leads, identify the remaining suspect, and determine the full circumstances surrounding the deadly shooting. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to contact investigators as they work to bring everyone involved to justice.
