Couple dead in Middletown after domestic dispute

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A woman takes out a domestic violence order against her estranged husband, but it is not enough to save her life. Troubling events led up to a murder-suicide in Middletown, and left a toddler without parents.

Police say the protective orders did not stop James Johnson Carr from gunning down his estranged wife, all while their 18-month-old child slept in another bedroom.

James Carr and Karyn Carr had an unusual relationship. Police say they were married for some time, got a divorce, and then remarried. But after an incident in April, Karyn wanted James Carr away from her and their daughter for good.

According to a police report, that's when she stated he grabbed her by the hair and put a knife to her throat, threatening her. He was charged with assault, which is when a Domestic Violence Order and Emergency Protective Order were taken out.

James Carr moved out, but police say early Tuesday morning, James Carr paid no attention to the orders, breaking into the house on Wetherby Avenue using some kind of prybar.

Detectives say he shot Karyn, then called family members before killing himself. "He was distraught over the situation," said Lt. Barry Wilkerson with LMPD's homicide unit. "I think he made reference to the fact that he shot her. At that point that's when police were called and en route to that location and found both individuals deceased."

The child was found unharmed in a crib, in a room separate from the shootings. Her grandmother is now taking care of the child.

As part of the orders, James Carr was not supposed to have any firearms in his possession, so it is not clear how he got the murder weapon. Police are unsure whether he brought it with him to the home, or found one there.