A 36-year-old man identified as Daniel Hyatt was fatally shot by a homeowner during an alleged early morning home invasion in Harrodsburg. Harrodsburg police are treating the incident as an isolated event and continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

HARRODSBURG, KY (3-minute read) — Residents of a Harrodsburg neighborhood were shaken early Friday morning when a confrontation between a homeowner and an intruder turned fatal. The Harrodsburg Police Department responded to reports of a shooting and discovered 36-year-old Daniel Hyatt suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving measures performed by officers on the scene, Hyatt was pronounced dead by the Mercer County Coroner’s Office.

Investigators are currently treating the incident as a home invasion. While the specific details of the entry have not yet been released, authorities have emphasized that the shooting appears to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public. The Mercer County Deputy Coroner, Dan Eades, confirmed Hyatt’s identity and noted that the investigation remains active as police piece together the timeline of the break-in.

Kentucky Law and the Right to Self-Defense

Kentucky is a state with robust self-defense statutes, often referred to as “Stand Your Ground” laws. These laws generally allow a homeowner to use deadly force if they reasonably believe it is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or a forcible felony (such as a home invasion) within their residence. In Harrodsburg, the focus of the investigation will likely center on the reasonableness of the homeowner’s fear during the encounter with Hyatt.

As the Harrodsburg Police Department continues its work, this case serves as a somber reminder of the violent realities of residential burglaries and the high stakes involved when citizens are forced to protect their own lives within their “castle.”

Safety Tip: In the event of an early morning home invasion, your primary objective is to reach a position of tactical advantage, such as the top of a staircase or a darkened hallway, while your family retreats to a pre-designated safe room. Positive target identification is critical, especially in low-light conditions; utilizing a weapon-mounted light or a high-lumen handheld flashlight can help you distinguish between a lethal threat and a non-combatant.