'It's unbelievable' | Neighbors in shock over deadly shooting in southwest Jefferson County

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Valley Station community is mourning after a man many of them knew was killed during what is believed to be a home invasion.

Louisville Metro Police said officers responded to a home in the 15000 block of Dixie Highway, just south of Mill Creek Station, on a trouble run around 9:15 p.m. Sunday.

Once on scene, police found a man who had been shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene and has not yet been identified.

Now, as police search for suspects, those who live in the area are calling it a tragedy.

"It was awful," said Jay Johnson, who knew the victim. "It is just a sad deal all the way around."

For those at Cliff Cherry Machine on Dixie Highway in Valley Station, Monday was a difficult day because someone they all knew is now gone.

"Just because he came in here all the time," Sheree Cherry said.

The man was found dead inside a home just down the road from the machinery shop. Neighbors said he was in his late 70s, and his Kia SUV was stolen during the incident. WDRB asked police for more details about the stolen vehicle, but they aren't releasing any more information at this time.

Now, the search is on for the man's killer.

"I don't know what they could have wanted from him," said Johnson. "He's got a bunch of land back there, but drives a regular old car and just a normal old dude, from what I knew."

Neighbors pointed out the home they said the man and his wife lived in, which sits on about 100 acres.

"He was just a great guy," Cherry said. "Just an old country guy that wouldn't harm a flea guy, he would not hurt anybody, he wouldn't."

Those at the machinery shop said he would chat with them a lot, recalling stories of the south end life, new businesses, and talking about fighting in Vietnam.

"Just about every other week, it seemed like," said Cherry. "Loved to talk, oh my goodness, he would stand for hours."

They also said he would often show up to their places of business on his tractor.

"He was always super friendly, and cracked jokes with you and he would come over here and ask if we got his mail or anything every once in a while," Johnson said.

"It's unbelievable," Cherry added. "He will be missed."

The investigation into the man's death is still ongoing. LMPD's Homicide Unit is leading the investigation, but have no suspects and have made no arrests.

Anyone with information in this or any other case is asked to call LMPD's anonymous Crime Tip Line at 502-574-LMPD (5673). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online through the LMPD Crime Tip Portal by clicking here.

More Louisville Crime News: