Louisville, Ky. — A 33-year-old woman has been charged with murder following the death of her husband on September 7 in the St. Denis neighborhood. Police allege that Alishia Reed fatally shot Shawn Reed, despite her claims that he died by suicide.
The situation has left the family reeling, as they grapple with the loss of not only Shawn but also his brother Ray earlier in August. “For the past month, it’s felt like we’ve been caught in a hurricane, just hoping it would all go away,” said Lola Morris, Shawn’s sister. “We lost Ray on August 28, and then eight days later, we received the devastating news about Shawn.”
Alishia Reed was arrested and charged on October 10. Initially, she informed family members that Shawn had taken his own life with a shotgun after hearing about Ray’s passing. However, investigators uncovered evidence that contradicted her statements. They discovered shattered items in the couple’s bedroom, indicating a struggle had occurred, and a shotgun was found in the room’s corner. According to authorities, Reed was the only other person present at the home that night, and the medical examiner determined that Shawn’s injuries were not self-inflicted.
Morris expressed anguish over the circumstances, noting that Shawn never had the opportunity to attend his brother’s funeral. “It’s heartbreaking to think he was taken away just before we could gather as a family to mourn,” she said. Court documents reveal a troubling history between the couple; Alishia had previously violated a protective order in New York, where relatives allege she stabbed Shawn. His family was unaware of the depth of the domestic abuse he experienced until after his death.
“My brother was living as a victim of domestic violence, suffering in silence,” Morris said, reflecting on their family’s shock at the revelations. In the aftermath of the tragedy, Alishia maintained an appearance of normalcy, communicating with Shawn’s sisters daily and even attending his funeral.
The moment the family learned of Alishia’s arrest, it was a surreal experience for Morris. “I was told she had been arrested for murder, and I just screamed,” she recalled. Through the turmoil, Shawn’s family chooses to remember him as a dedicated soldier and loving family member, mourning the time they believe he was unfairly denied. “He was a wonderful person—good son, brother, and uncle. This has devastated all of us,” Morris said.