Men attempted to steal firearms, shot, killed by juvenile

February 17, 2025

Two men killed in an early morning homicide on Pennington Hill have been identified by the Kentucky State Police.
According to the KSP, on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at approximately 4:24 AM, Clay County 911 contacted Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 London to report a shooting incident within the city limits of Manchester. Manchester Police Department responded to the scene and found two individuals who had been shot. They requested KSP’s assistance in investigating the matter.
Upon arrival, troopers determined that the two men involved had forcibly entered a residence with the intention of stealing firearms from a safe. During the break-in, a juvenile resident of the home discovered the intruders and saw them holding firearms. The juvenile, acting in self-defense, retrieved a handgun and shot both men before escaping through a bedroom window.

The two men who were shot were later identified as:

Roger D. Smith, 44, of McKee, was transported to Advent Health Manchester by Clay County EMS but succumbed to his injuries.

Jeffrey M. Allen, 51, of Manchester, was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Both men were pronounced dead by Clay County Coroner. The Medical Examiner will perform autopsies for both individuals on Monday, February 17, 2025.

The investigation is ongoing, and Detective Logan Gay is leading the case. He was assisted on the scene by Post 11 Investigation Team. Manchester Police Department and the Clay County Coroner’s office.