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London Today
By the People, for the People
Family Sues Officers in Fatal Shooting of Travis Pratt During I-75 Manhunt
Lawsuit alleges mistaken identity led to deadly encounter with Kentucky man during search for shooting suspect.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 9:05pm
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The family of 25-year-old Travis Pratt has filed a lawsuit against two Kentucky State Police officers who fatally shot Pratt in September 2024 during a manhunt for a separate shooting suspect, Joseph Couch. The family's attorney claims Pratt was mistakenly identified as Couch and that officers had opportunities to de-escalate the situation before opening fire, killing Pratt.
Why it matters
This case highlights ongoing concerns about police use of force, especially in situations involving mental health crises and mistaken identities. It also raises questions about the transparency and accountability of law enforcement investigations, with the family's attorney calling for independent oversight of the Kentucky State Police's internal probe.
The details
According to the family's attorney, a 911 caller mistakenly identified Pratt as the suspect Couch, who was wanted for a shooting in London, Kentucky. When officers arrived, they found Pratt hiding in a bathroom of a neighboring home. The attorney says officers had a chance to speak with Pratt through the closed door and another trooper offered to intervene, but they instead deployed Tasers and opened fire when Pratt picked up a broken shower head, shooting him 13 times.
- On Sept. 9, 2024, a 911 caller reported seeing the I-75 shooting suspect at a home in Littcarr, Kentucky.
- The previous night, Pratt's mother had called police to report her son was in a mental health crisis.
- After the shooting, the Kentucky State Police conducted an internal investigation and concluded the officers' actions were justified.
The players
Travis Pratt
A 25-year-old Kentucky man who was fatally shot by police during a manhunt for a separate shooting suspect.
Joseph Couch
The suspect wanted in connection with a shooting in London, Kentucky, who was mistakenly identified as Pratt by a 911 caller.
David Barber
The family attorney representing Pratt's family in the lawsuit against the two Kentucky State Police officers.
Andy Beshear
The Governor of Kentucky, whom the family's attorney believes should consider policy changes and independent oversight of KSP investigations.
What they’re saying
“They even had another trooper that put on the channel, 'Hey, I know Travis Pratt. Let me talk to him.' and they ignored that.”
— David Barber, Family attorney
“And then they shoot him. 13 shots.”
— David Barber, Family attorney
What’s next
The family's attorney says he hopes Governor Beshear will consider policy changes and independent oversight of the Kentucky State Police's internal investigation into the shooting.
The takeaway
This tragic case highlights the urgent need for improved police training, de-escalation tactics, and independent oversight to prevent similar incidents of mistaken identity and excessive use of force, especially when responding to mental health crises.
