Pendleton County is reeling after a quiet neighborhood on Hogg Ridge Road became the scene of a late‑night tragedy that left a 40‑year‑old woman dead and her suspected killer dead by what investigators believe were self‑inflicted wounds.
Late Sunday night, family or friends of Camille McClanahan called authorities asking for a welfare check at a home on Hogg Ridge Road near Williamstown. Deputies arrived just after 11 p.m. and found McClanahan unresponsive from an apparent gunshot wound in the yard. Also found was 50‑year‑old James Hall, who law enforcement says died from a gunshot wound that appears to be self‑inflicted.
Kentucky State Police have taken over the case from the Pendleton County Sheriff’s Office. Troopers remained at the scene into the early hours of Monday morning as they processed the property and spoke with neighbors, but officials have not yet released details about a possible motive. They stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the surrounding community.
Friends and relatives of McClanahan described her as a warm presence in the county, known for her steady kindness and willingness to help others. Many who knew her are struggling to understand how a routine night turned into such heartbreak. McClanahan’s life, work, and her impact on those around her are now the focus of mourning on social media, with people sharing memories and offering condolences.
James Hall’s connection to McClanahan has not been publicly detailed, and authorities have declined to comment further as the investigation continues. Detectives with Kentucky State Police Post 6 are still reviewing evidence and interviewing possible witnesses. No formal motive has been confirmed.
Residents in this rural part of Northern Kentucky say they’re shaken by the violence in their usually quiet town. A few neighbors said they heard sirens and saw flashing lights early Monday but were unsure of what had happened until news spread online and through local reports.
Law enforcement encourages anyone with information to contact Kentucky State Police. As the community arrives at work and school this week, conversations about grief and safety continue in living rooms and across kitchen tables.
Investigators have not scheduled a press conference, and the coroner’s findings have not yet been released. As Pendleton County honors McClanahan’s memory, neighbors and loved ones are left with questions and a deep sense of loss.
