Valley Station, Louisville – The community of Valley Station was rocked by a tragic murder-suicide that took place on Sunday evening, claiming the lives of Hayley C. Thomas, 30, and her father, Walter S. Thomas III, 57. The incident occurred at approximately 5:56 p.m. in the 10200 block of Dodge Lane, near Valley Station Road.
Hayley Thomas was found deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds. Her father, Walter Thomas, was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital, where he later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Louisville Metro Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. The motive for the crime remains unclear.
Walter Sherwood “Woody” Thomas was a respected member of the community, having worked as a gas line mechanic for Miller Pipeline. He was also an army veteran with 20 years of service and a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #2173. According to his obituary, Walter Thomas was a husband and father, survived by his wife Elaine and his three daughters, Heather Thomas, Renee Brooking, and Laura Brooking.
The news of this tragedy has led to an outpouring of grief and shock in the community. The Mark G Show, a local community page, shared a heartfelt post on Facebook, encouraging friends and residents to seek truth and understanding in the wake of this event. The post called for the community to come together to support local law enforcement and to promote safety and harmony to prevent such acts of violence from recurring.
One Facebook user, reflecting the sentiment of many, expressed, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of the victims," underscoring the community’s sorrow and the need for unity in this difficult time.
Funeral arrangements and Hayley Thomas’s obituary will be announced by her family at a later date. Community members are urged to keep the family in their thoughts and to support each other as they come to terms with this loss.
For those in need of assistance or dealing with similar situations, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available. You can reach out for help by calling or texting 988.