Two Killed in Police-Involved Shooting near Palmyra

Good Samaritan Killed Whom was a Firefighter

Harrison County – Wednesday, May 18, 2022:  Detective Christopher Tucker and Crime Scene Investigators with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg continue their investigation into the police-involved shooting that occurred on SR 135 just south of Palmyra on Monday. Part of that investigation included interviews, collection and examination of physical evidence, collection and viewing of video evidence, and attending the autopsies of both deceased.

As a result of their investigation, and in conjunction with the Harrison County Prosecutor’s office, Investigators have provided more details into the tragic event.

Investigators say that shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday, Justin Moore pulled his vehicle to the side of the highway after apparently running out of gas.  Justin Moore then asked a local resident for gas, or money to obtain fuel, before returning to his car which was still partially in the roadway. A short time later, Reserve Officer Zachary Holly, from the Palmyra Police Department arrived to assist. Jacob McClanahan, and a friend who were travelling together in a pick-up truck on SR 135, also stopped to assist.  

At one point during the interaction, Officer Holly asked Justin Moore if there were any weapons in the car and Moore advised there were not. Justin Moore was however in possession of a small knife, which Officer Holly asked Moore to place it back in his vehicle. The investigation reveals that as Justin Moore entered his car to return the knife, he quickly turned around brandishing a shot gun and fired at Officer Holly. Officer Holly then returned fire with his department pistol. Justin Moore fired the shotgun a second time and fatally struck Jacob McClanahan. Officer Holly continued to return fire with his department weapon, fatally striking Justin Moore.

Medical aid was given to both gunshot victims after the shooting, and numerous officers from the Harrison County Sheriff's Department, the Palmyra Fire Department, Harrison County EMS, and the Indiana State Police responded to the scene.

Investigators have not been able to determine why Justin Moore, who is from Owensboro, Kentucky, was travelling in Indiana.

This investigation is ongoing. 

 The original news release is listed below.

 Harrison County - May 16, 2022: Two individuals were killed Monday evening after police and Good Samaritans stopped to assist with an apparent stranded motorist.

Around 9:30 Monday evening, an officer with the Palmyra Police Department responded to assist a white Ford Escape stopped in the roadway in the twelve-thousand block of SR 135 south of Palmyra. The Escape was driven by Justin Moore, 31, of Owensboro, Kentucky. As the officer arrived, two Good Samaritans in a pick-up truck also stopped to assist. Within seconds of exiting their cars, shots were fired; killing Justin Moore and one of the Good Samaritans; twenty-four-year-old Jacob Tyler McClanahan, of Corydon, Indiana.

Police and first responders immediately responded to the scene and attempted lifesaving measures but were unsuccessful. The Palmyra officer was transported to the Harrison County Hospital for minor injuries.

Harrison County authorities requested Indiana State Police investigate the shooting, and Detectives from the Sellersburg Post responded to the scene. 

The investigation is ongoing as of the writing of this news release, and detectives and crime scene technicians are still on the scene. State Road 135 remains closed at the crime scene and will likely be closed for several hours.

Investigators have not released how many weapons were involved, how many shots were fired, or who fired the shots.

This news release will be updated as information becomes available. Families of both deceased have been notified. Autopsies have been scheduled for Wednesday.