HARRODSBURG, Kentucky — A quiet Harrodsburg neighborhood on York Street was shaken just after dawn Friday when a 36‑year‑old man was shot and killed inside a home during what law enforcement is calling an apparent home invasion. The victim has been identified as Daniel “Danny” Hyatt, originally from nearby Lawrenceburg, authorities confirmed.
Police responded to a 911 call around 5:15 a.m. on February 6, rushing to the residence where neighbors would later say they never heard a thing the night before. When officers arrived, they found Hyatt with a gunshot wound and immediately began life‑saving measures. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Mercer County Coroner’s Office.
The Harrodsburg Police Department says the incident appears to have started as a home invasion, though details of what exactly happened inside the home before the shooting are still unclear. Investigators continue to piece together the timeline and what led up to the violence.
Police Chief Scott Elder told reporters the shooting seems to be an isolated event and there is no ongoing threat to the rest of the community. Officers combed the scene for hours, documenting evidence and speaking with neighbors who were startled to see the heavy law enforcement presence in their typically peaceful street.
Officials confirmed the homeowner has not been charged at this time, and authorities have not released information on any possible suspect identities or whether anyone else was inside the house when the shooting happened. The investigation remains active as detectives follow leads and interview witnesses.
Hyatt’s body was taken to Frankfort for an autopsy, part of the standard process in Kentucky for fatal shootings inside homes. The Mercer County Coroner’s Office will assist in determining final cause and manner of death before investigators wrap up their report.
In the days since, neighbors have described the early morning quiet as familiar and unbroken until the flashing lights and sirens arrived. Local law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information to come forward as the community processes the sudden loss of life in one of its own.
