One Dead in Floyd County Shooting: Manhunt Underway for Murder Suspect Larry Johnson
A tragic altercation in the quiet community of Auxier, Kentucky has left one man dead and another on the run, prompting an intensive search by law enforcement. The Kentucky State Police (KSP) confirmed that 48-year-old Steven Adkins, of Prestonsburg, was fatally shot on the afternoon of Friday, April 25, 2025, in a domestic dispute that escalated into violence.
Timeline of the Incident
KSP received a call at 2:57 p.m., reporting a shooting near the Auxier Bridge on KY Route 321. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Adkins suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Adkins was involved in a physical altercation with 67-year-old Larry Johnson, a resident of Auxier. During the confrontation, Johnson allegedly drew a firearm and shot Adkins before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
Suspect on the Run
Authorities quickly launched a manhunt for Johnson, who abandoned his vehicle shortly after the shooting and fled on foot into a heavily wooded area near Jane Brown Branch. As of the latest reports, Johnson remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
He was last seen wearing a blue flannel shirt and blue jeans, and law enforcement urges the public not to approach him under any circumstances. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call Kentucky State Police Post 9 or 911 immediately.
Active Arrest Warrant Issued
KSP investigators have obtained an active arrest warrant for murder against Larry Johnson. His photo and identifying details have been distributed to local media outlets and patrol units across the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Area Closures
The shooting has triggered a multi-agency investigation involving Kentucky State Police, Prestonsburg City Police, and other local authorities. In the wake of the incident, KY Route 321 and the Auxier Bridge were shut down to the public for several hours as investigators processed the scene and coordinated the search for Johnson.
Authorities confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, though further details about the relationship between the victim and the suspect have not been disclosed. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Community in Shock
Residents of the Auxier community and surrounding Floyd County areas have been left rattled by the sudden violence. Neighbors described both men as longtime community members, and many expressed shock at the news.
“This is the kind of place where everyone knows each other,” one resident shared. “To have something like this happen right here, it’s heartbreaking.”
KSP Statement and Public Appeal
In a press release, KSP urged residents in the Jane Brown Branch area and surrounding regions to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity. They have increased patrols and are using tracking dogs and aerial surveillance to aid the search.
The public is reminded that Larry Johnson is considered extremely dangerous, and no attempt should be made to confront him. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the KSP website or by contacting Crime Stoppers.
In Memory of Steven Adkins
As the investigation continues and the search for justice presses on, the community mourns the loss of Steven Adkins. Friends and family describe him as a hardworking and kind-hearted man who didn’t deserve the violent end he met.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced by local officials once the family has had time to grieve and prepare.
This story will be updated as new information becomes available.