In the quiet town of Eubank, Kentucky, a somber Sunday morning unfolded into a tragedy that left the community grappling with shock and grief. At approximately 8:30 a.m. on April 20, 2025, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office received a chilling report from a neighbor who recounted a harrowing confession. Ralph Letner, a 61-year-old resident of Eubank, had appeared at their doorstep, admitting to the unthinkable: he had killed his wife. The neighbor’s call set in motion a swift response from law enforcement, but the outcome was one no one could reverse.
Deputies arrived at the Letner residence on Old Waynesburg Road, a modest home in the rural outskirts of Eubank, to find 59-year-old Susan Letner lifeless inside. Emergency responders attempted to revive her, employing every measure to restore a heartbeat, but their efforts were in vain. The Pulaski County Coroner’s Office pronounced Susan dead at the scene, confirming that she had succumbed to a single gunshot wound. The stark reality of her death, coupled with the alleged confession of her husband, cast a heavy pall over the close-knit community, where such violence is a rare and jarring disruption.
Ralph Letner was arrested without incident at the scene and transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center, where he remains in custody. Authorities have not yet set a bond, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Susan’s death is ongoing. Sheriff Bobby Jones, in a brief statement, emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that detectives are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the fatal shooting. The sheriff’s office has refrained from releasing specific details about the time of the incident or the precise location within the home, citing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Susan Letner, described by neighbors as a kind and reserved woman, was a familiar face in Eubank, where she and Ralph had lived for over two decades. The couple, married for nearly 30 years, were known to keep to themselves, though acquaintances recall Susan’s warmth and her involvement in local church activities. Ralph, a retired mechanic, was often seen working on projects in their yard, a seemingly ordinary fixture in the community. The news of Susan’s death and Ralph’s alleged role in it has left residents struggling to reconcile the tragedy with the couple they thought they knew.
Investigators have not disclosed a motive, nor have they confirmed whether the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute or other underlying issues. The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information to come forward, providing contact numbers for both their main line and an anonymous tip line. The community, meanwhile, is left to mourn a life cut short and to grapple with the unsettling reality of violence in their midst.
This incident marks another chapter in a series of tragic events in Pulaski County, where domestic violence has periodically surfaced in recent years. Just over a year ago, in February 2024, another Eubank man, James Brock, was charged with the murder of his wife, Doris, in a case that similarly shook the community. While the details of Susan Letner’s death are still emerging, the parallels serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of such acts.
As the investigation continues, the people of Eubank are holding close the memory of Susan Letner, a woman whose life ended too soon. Vigils are being planned, and local leaders are calling for unity and support for those affected. For now, the sheriff’s office remains focused on uncovering the truth, while a grieving community seeks answers and healing in the wake of an unimaginable loss.
