In a devastating turn of events on Friday afternoon, February 21, 2025, a shooting outside the Driver Licensing Regional Office in Valley Station, Louisville, Kentucky, claimed the lives of three individuals, sending shockwaves through the community. The incident unfolded around noon along Dixie Highway, just north of Interstate 265, in an area typically bustling with routine activity. What began as an ordinary day for those waiting outside the licensing office quickly escalated into a scene of unimaginable tragedy, leaving families shattered and authorities scrambling for answers.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) responded swiftly to reports of gunfire, arriving to find a chaotic scene. A male victim, later identified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office as 18-year-old Leslye Harbin Jr., was pronounced dead at the site, his life cut short in an instant. Two women, 29-year-old Raysa Pacios Valdes and 33-year-old Antwanette Chillers, were discovered with severe gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed them to UofL Hospital in downtown Louisville, where medical teams fought to save them. Despite their efforts, both women succumbed to their injuries, deepening the toll of the day’s violence.
Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce as the investigation unfolds, but LMPD Major Donald Boeckman provided a glimpse into the gravity of the situation during a press briefing. Standing before reporters, he expressed relief that the casualty count wasn’t higher, noting the presence of numerous people outside the facility at the time of the incident. “I’m surprised there were not more people injured,” he said, his voice steady but tinged with concern. “Many people were standing outside. But as far as any details into what occurred, I just can’t speak to them right now.” His words underscored the unpredictability of the event and the urgent need for clarity as detectives piece together the sequence of events.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, visibly shaken by the news, took to social media to address the tragedy. In a heartfelt statement, he described the shooting as a “senseless act of violence,” a phrase that captured the collective frustration and grief felt across the state. He praised the quick response of law enforcement, emphasizing their role in preventing further harm, and called on Kentuckians to keep the victims’ families in their thoughts and prayers. His message resonated with a community all too familiar with the pain of such incidents, yet still grappling with how to move forward.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which oversees the licensing office, released a statement confirming the safety of its employees while expressing profound sorrow for those affected. Security personnel were on site when the shooting erupted, prompting an immediate lockdown of the building. Employees were dismissed for the day, and the office shuttered its doors, a somber reminder of the disruption caused by the violence. The agency pledged full cooperation with the LMPD’s ongoing investigation, though it refrained from speculating on the circumstances that led to the bloodshed.
As the LMPD Homicide Unit digs deeper into the case, no suspects have been named, and the motive remains unclear. Authorities are working tirelessly to uncover what sparked the deadly encounter, combing through witness accounts and any available evidence. The public has been urged to come forward with information, no matter how small it may seem. The LMPD’s anonymous Crime Tip Line, reachable at 502-574-LMPD (5673), and its online Crime Tip Portal stand ready to receive leads that could bring justice to the victims and closure to their loved ones.
The loss of Raysa Pacios Valdes, Antwanette Chillers, and Leslye Harbin Jr. has left an indelible mark on Louisville. Valdes, at 29, was in the prime of her life, her future stolen in a fleeting moment. Chillers, 33, leaves behind a legacy cut tragically short, while Harbin, just 18, represents a generation robbed of its potential. Their names now join a growing list of lives lost to violence, prompting renewed calls for answers and action.
For residents of Valley Station and beyond, the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of everyday routines. A trip to the licensing office, a task so mundane it barely registers, turned deadly without warning. As the investigation presses on, the community waits—not just for justice, but for a way to heal from a wound that feels all too fresh. Anyone with information is encouraged to step forward, offering a chance to unravel the mystery of a Friday afternoon that ended in heartbreak.