MANCHESTER, KY (August 6, 2020) - An anonymous tip has lead officials in Clay County to an abandoned motel in Manchester where a fatal collision victim had apparently been living.
The tip regarding homeless people living in trash & filth, first came in to ClayCoNews and was quickly passed on to Clay County Judge Executive Johnny Johnson who along with Clay County/Manchester Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Reid met a CCN photographer Thursday afternoon at the Rocking Chair Inn off 421 & 80 in Manchester.
Once on the scene it was discovered that a fatal collision victim had apparently been living in room 21, the victim, identified as Julie (Jarvis) Hill age 42 formerly of Curry Branch Road was hit and killed at approximately 9:30 PM Monday night August 3, 2020 in Manchester by a westbound pickup truck on the 4 lane section of Highway 80 in front the CMR gas station.
Due to the horrid condition of the property and the discovery of Julie Hill's personal belongings in room 21, Judge Johnson contacted Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson who immediately responded along with Deputy Dewey Grubb and began an investigation to locate the owner of the property.
From information obtained from the previous owner, the current property owner was determined to be Johnny Taylor Smith of Garrard, Ky.. Officials attempted to contact Johnny Taylor Smith but were unable to do so.
With the property being located within the city limits, Judge Johnson also contacted Manchester Mayor James Ed Garrison making him aware of the situation.
Judge Johnson stated: "This situation is uncalled for and it will be corrected, my office will go through all the proper channels to see to that."
Pictured is: "Room 21", Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson arriving with Deputy Dewey Grubb - Judge Johnson, Sheriff Robinson, Chris Reid & Deputy Grubb at the motel - Solid Waste Coordinator Chris Reid with Julie Hill's belongings in "Room 21"
This story will be updated later with more information photos.
