A 23-year-old Pulaski County man who killed his father and grandfather, and shot and stabbed his grandmother, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Austin Prather, of Science Hill, pled guilty on Wednesday in Pulaski County to murder, attempted murder, first-degree assault, three counts of first-degree robbery, and tampering with physical evidence as he avoided the death penalty, according to media outlets. He also tried to kill his grandmother.
The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office said multiple law enforcement agencies responded the night of November 7, 2023, at 11:45 to a home on Raleigh Road in Science Hill on the report of a shooting.
Upon arriving at the residence, police found 67-year-old Ardyth Prather Jr., deceased from gunshot wounds. His wife, 65-year-old Joann Prather, had been shot and stabbed. She was airlifted to a Lexington hospital and survived her injuries.
During the investigation, Jones said investigators noticed blood on the door of a neighboring residence. Police entered the home and found the couple’s son, 43-year-old Ardyth Prather III, deceased from gunshot wounds.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
