East Bernstadt Teen Charged with Attempted Murder in Laurel County Shooting

LONDON, Ky. — A Laurel County teen has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following a shooting that left one man in critical condition, according to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office.

Zachary Setser, 18, of Willow Branch Road in East Bernstadt, was taken into custody Wednesday night, July 9, at approximately 9:24 p.m. by Deputy Noah Ritchie. The arrest took place off American Greeting Card Road, about nine miles south of London.

The arrest follows an investigation launched on June 26, when deputies were dispatched by the London–Laurel County 911 Communications Center to a reported shooting at an apartment complex in the same area.

When officers arrived, they discovered a male victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to a local hospital and later airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center due to the severity of his injuries.

Laurel Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Taylor McDaniel led the investigation and, through evidence and interviews, identified Setser as the suspected shooter. Investigators believe the incident stemmed from a personal disagreement between Setser and the victim.

Setser was arrested on a complaint warrant obtained by Det. Sgt. McDaniel and charged with attempted murder. He was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

The name and current condition of the victim have not been released.

The case remains under investigation by the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.