Name of Detective Who Shot Parks Released

The name of the law enforcement officer who shot and killed John Parks last month has been released.

The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team says detective Dustin Awberry with the McCracken County Sheriff's Office fired his service weapon during the June 29 altercation, striking Parks. An autopsy was conducted last week at the Medical Examiner's office in Madisonville, and preliminary results show Parks died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the altercation with McCracken County sheriff's deputies.

McCracken County Sheriff Matt Carter released more information Monday, saying Parks aimed a handgun at a deputy at the end of the pursuit, and Awberry fired his weapon two times to eliminate the threat to a fellow officer. Carter said the gun in Parks' hand was loaded, and he was carrying two more loaded magazines.

Carter said, "This is and has been a difficult situation for everyone involved, however law enforcement officers are often placed in positions in which we are forced to react to the threat that the perpetrator poses and this situation was no different."

Bond for Parks was revoked just before his scheduled sentencing for attempted sexual abuse and possession of child pornography after detectives learned he was trying to get fake documents and flee the area. Parks had reportedly changed his appearance when he was found near Kentucky Oaks Mall, but he led them on a pursuit to the area of Audubon Drive and Court Avenue, where the shooting took place. 

Parks was the fishing coach at McCracken County High School, but was arrested in February 2019 on charges related to possible abuse of a 16-year-old member of the team. He plead guilty in February of this year, and was expected to be sentenced to 18 months in prison.

The investigation is ongoing by the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team and Kentucky State Police, Post 1.