BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky (LEX 18) — A Breathitt County man has been accused of murdering his son during a domestic dispute.
According to officials, Breathitt Sheriff John Hollon was on patrol in the Southfork community when a Chevrolet S-10 pickup appeared behind him and began honking frantically.
The driver of the truck, identified as James Prater, exited the vehicle and told the sheriff that he had been shot. Sheriff Hollon put Prater in his cruiser and drove him to the hospital.
Another officer went to the scene to speak with Prater's father, Dial. Dial Prater admitted to shooting James after the two got into a fight. Dial told investigators that James struck him with a mechanic creeper, knocking him to the ground. He told officers he was afraid for his life and pulled out a .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver. He fired twice.
James Prater later died of his injuries. Dial Prater was arrested and lodged in Three Forks Regional Jail. He has been charged with murder.
