Man who killed his girlfriend outside KY courthouse before restraining order hearing dies

A man who police say shot and killed two women outside the Hardin County Justice Center Monday has died, according to Elizabethtown police.

Christopher Elder, 46, shot himself following a police chase Monday afternoon, and authorities said he died Monday night. Earlier Monday, police said, Elder shot and killed his girlfriend and her mother before a hearing related to the girlfriend’s restraining order against him.

“After shooting himself, Elder was airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville, TN, where he succumbed to his injuries yesterday evening,” said Chris Denham, public affairs officer for Elizabethtown police.

Erica Riley, 37, and her mother, 71-year-old Janet Riley, were killed in the shooting. Another of Erica Riley’s family members was also injured in the shooting.

Court records show Erica Riley sought a restraining order against Elder on Aug. 8 after she said he had abused her over the past 18 months.

In one incident, she said, he hit her in the jaw and head multiple times, according to court documents. Though the case had a hearing scheduled for Monday, court documents show it was going to be rescheduled to next week.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this senseless act of violence,” Denham said.