Bardstown Honors Officer Jason Ellis 12 Years After His Unsolved Killing

BARDSTOWN, Ky. — As clouds hovered over Bardstown on the Sunday before Memorial Day, residents gathered beneath the covered porch of the Bardstown City Police Department, seeking shelter from light rain and solace in one another’s company. The annual memorial service once again honored the life and legacy of Officer Jason Ellis, a Bardstown police officer ambushed and killed 12 years ago in a case that remains unsolved.

Ellis, a K-9 officer, was murdered on May 25, 2013, while driving home from work. Investigators have called his death an ambush, but no arrests have been made, and his killer remains at large.

“Officer Ellis’ effect on our town is not measured in years, but in the positive ideals he upheld,” said Bardstown Police Assistant Chief Kevin Thompson during Sunday’s memorial. Although Thompson joined the department four years after Ellis' death, his connection to the case runs deep—his brother-in-law served alongside Ellis, and he sees the lingering impact the loss has had on fellow officers.

“[Ellis’ murder is] hard on the department,” Thompson said. “It’s hardest on the family. It’s been hard on the community, and I’d like to see that we could get some closure or some answers. I don’t know that you ever get closure in this situation.”

Among the attendees was Chris Smith, a former officer trained by Ellis and a close personal friend.

“It's been a long time with no answers,” Smith said. “We were hoping by this time we wouldn’t still be talking about it. I think everybody’s still grieving, but to help close a chapter it would be nice to know why.”

Ellis’ widow, Amy Ellis Brown, spoke during the service, flanked by the couple’s two sons, now high school seniors. Holding up a photo of the boys taken 12 years earlier, Amy reflected on how much time has passed and how her sons have grown without their father.

“They were little boys who looked forward to their dad coming home from work or having time off so they could play with him,” she said. “With one senseless act of an evil person, the boys would never be allowed to play with their dad again.”

Ellis’ murder is one of three high-profile unsolved cases in Bardstown, alongside the deaths of Tommy Ballard and his daughter, Crystal Rogers. However, loved ones are hopeful that new developments in the Rogers case may help bring renewed attention to Ellis’ case. Steve Lawson, a suspect in the Rogers investigation, is set to go to trial on May 27. Prosecutors revealed in February 2024 that evidence in that case may also be connected to Ellis.

“With every year that goes by, every memorial that passes, we hope hearing his name will bring new light to his case,” Amy said. “Maybe someone will remember something they didn’t think was significant. If you just come forward with any little thing, it could be the missing piece they were waiting on.”

Kentucky State Police and the FBI continue to investigate. A reward remains available for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Officer Jason Ellis’ murder. Anyone with tips is encouraged to call the KSP Tipline at 270-766-5078 or email EllisCaseTips@ky.gov.