LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A two-day manhunt came to a deadly conclusion when police fatally shot Austin Schepers, who had been on the run since allegedly shooting Orange County Deputy Zac Andry during a traffic stop on January 3, 2025. New body camera footage released by the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) Friday shows the final moments of the search, including a dramatic nine seconds of gunfire that ended Schepers’ life.
The Manhunt and Capture
The manhunt for Schepers intensified after the shooting of Deputy Andry, who was critically injured during the traffic stop. The search spanned two days, with LMPD and U.S. Marshals following up on multiple tips from the community. LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey acknowledged the role that community cooperation played in the investigation’s success.
The body camera video captures the moment Schepers was spotted from the air in a backyard on Wheeler Avenue, in the Jacobs neighborhood. Officers, arriving from behind the house, ordered Schepers to put his hands up. Instead of complying, Schepers opened fire on the officers.
The Fatal Confrontation
In a mere nine seconds of gunfire, Schepers was fatally shot. Chief Humphrey described the situation as a dangerous one, with Schepers potentially attempting to ambush the officers. After the exchange, officers cautiously approached Schepers’ body, taking two-and-a-half minutes to ensure there were no further threats. Humphrey emphasized the importance of caution, noting the possibility that Schepers could have turned the weapon on them.
Deputy’s Condition
The previous day’s events had left Deputy Andry in critical condition, having been shot four times during the traffic stop. At the time of the release, Andry remained in the hospital, fighting for his life.
