LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two weeks after 36-year-old Ashley Lanham was fatally shot in downtown Louisville, her family is speaking out, hoping her tragic death can spark real change in how the city addresses homelessness, mental illness, and violence.
Lanham was shot the night of Sept. 1 outside a Dollar General near South Brook and Broadway streets. Louisville Metro Police said they attempted life-saving measures at the scene, but she died from her injuries. No suspects have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.
“She had a smile that lit up the night sky”
Lanham’s sister, Jacqueline Biven, describes her as a deeply compassionate woman whose life took a difficult turn more than a decade ago.
“She had a smile that lit up the night sky. Her compassion and care for others it was just beautiful,” Biven said. “12 or 13 years ago, she went to the streets, after our biological father passed.”…