UPDATE: December 14, 2025 at 2:35 p.m.
A former police captain killed his elderly mother in Berea early Sunday morning, then died by suicide during a traffic stop on Interstate 75, according to authorities.
Officials identified the suspect as 51-year-old Kevin Berry in the murder of his 77-year-old mother Margie Berry on Leslie Drive just after midnight Sunday.
After the murder, a manhunt led to Berry being pulled over by a Williamsburg officer on I-75 in Whitley County. As officers tried to talk to him, Berry took his own life.
Berry was a former law enforcement officer who worked for multiple departments, most recently as a captain with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
UPDATE: December 14, 2025 at 1:35 p.m.
The Madison County Coroner has connected a Berea murder to a suicide that shut down traffic in both directions on Interstate 75 in Whitley County.
An investigation is underway after the murder of 77-year-old Margie Berry on Leslie Drive just after midnight Sunday, according to the coroner.
Investigators say a manhunt for the person responsible led to a crash on I-75 in Whitley County this morning. Both sides of the interstate were shut down as deputies worked to speak with the suspect.
He was later found dead in his car of an apparent suicide. His name has not yet been released.
At this point, the relationship between the victim and suspect is not known.
UPDATE: December 14, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.
Interstate 75 in Whitley County was shut down Sunday due to an active police situation that has since been resolved, leaving one person dead.
The closure occurred around the 12.5-mile marker, causing significant traffic disruptions throughout the area. Northbound lanes remained closed as of 12:25 p.m. while the scene transitioned into a death investigation, according to the Whitley County Sheriff's Department. Southbound traffic has resumed.
Side roads including US 25 and Highway 26 experienced heavy congestion as drivers sought alternate routes during the closure. Exits 15 and 11 were backed up as motorists attempted to navigate around the shutdown.
The sheriff's department confirmed there is no threat to public safety and that no force was used by police in the situation.
Original Story:
Interstate 75 is shut down in both directions in Whitley County due to an active police situation.
The closure is around the 12.5-mile marker, causing significant traffic disruptions throughout the area. Side roads including US 25 and Highway 26 are experiencing heavy congestion as drivers seek alternate routes.
Exits 15 and 11 are backed up as motorists attempt to navigate around the closure. Authorities are asking drivers to avoid the area if possible while the situation remains active.
The Whitley County Sheriff's Department said they will post updates when more information becomes available.
