The Louisville Metro Police Department has identified the two officers who fatally shot a woman during what officials described as a mental health crisis.
Officers Robert Noah Baker and Robert Gabbard, both hired in 2023, have been placed on administrative leave as the department’s Public Integrity Unit investigates the incident.
Baker is assigned to the 2nd Division and received an oral reprimand in 2024 after being found responsible for an accident. Gabbard, assigned to the 1st Division, has not faced any disciplinary action since joining the department.
The shooting occurred March 27 in the 9800 block of Vieux Carre Drive off South Hurstbourne Parkway. Police responded to reports of a person experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis, according to LMPD Deputy Chief Emily McKinley.
Officers were informed the individual had self-inflicted lacerations and was armed with a piece of glass or another sharp object. McKinley said the situation did not qualify for a mobile crisis response due to the presence of a weapon and other people inside.
Upon arrival, officers encountered a 28-year-old woman, later identified by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office as Katelyn Hall, who had locked herself inside a bathroom. McKinley described her as “highly agitated, incoherent,” and said she made suicidal statements.
Officers attempted to de-escalate the situation through verbal communication and requested less-lethal tools. Hall continued making “agitated and suicidal statements” from inside the bathroom, McKinley said.
Members of the Anchorage Middletown Fire Department assisted officers in forcing entry into the bathroom. After the door was breached, McKinley said Hall “rapidly exited and charged toward officers armed with a large sharp object,” prompting Baker and Gabbard to fire their weapons.
Officers immediately provided medical aid before Hall was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Authorities have not said how long officers waited before entering the bathroom after requesting less-lethal tools or why they decided to breach the door.
McKinley said body camera footage will be released within 10 business days of the incident, with April 10 as the latest possible release date. Police typically hold a news conference when releasing such footage.
Department policy requires the release of officers’ names within 72 hours of a shooting. Along with identifying Baker and Gabbard on March 30, LMPD also released summaries of their disciplinary records and commendation letters.
Baker has received 10 commendations since being hired, while Gabbard has received 18. Officials noted that such letters often recognize teamwork and notable service and may include multiple officers.
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