LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has released additional details surrounding a tragic officer-involved shooting that occurred early Monday morning on Ridgecrest Road, leaving two people dead and sending shockwaves throughout the community. The incident claimed the lives of Frank Mejia Aguilar and Tiffany Reiner, both residents of Louisville, and involved Officer Hunter Weaver, who discharged his firearm during the fatal encounter.
According to preliminary reports from LMPD, the events unfolded shortly after 1:30 a.m. Monday, when officers responded to a call regarding suspicious activity in the 5600 block of Ridgecrest Road, located in the city’s South End. Upon arrival, officers reportedly encountered a vehicle parked near the curb with two individuals inside, later identified as Aguilar and Reiner. Officers say the pair appeared to be under the influence and acting erratically.
As police approached the vehicle, an altercation ensued. According to body camera footage reviewed by investigators, officers gave repeated verbal commands for the occupants to exit the vehicle. When Aguilar allegedly attempted to start the car and drive toward one of the officers, Officer Hunter Weaver fired his service weapon multiple times, striking both Aguilar and Reiner. The vehicle then rolled a short distance before coming to a stop against a fence.
Emergency medical services were immediately called to the scene. Despite officers’ efforts to render aid, both victims were pronounced dead shortly after 2:00 a.m. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office later confirmed their identities as 31-year-old Frank Mejia Aguilar and 28-year-old Tiffany Reiner.
The LMPD’s Public Integrity Unit has launched a full investigation into the incident, which remains ongoing. Officer Weaver, a four-year veteran of the force, has been placed on administrative leave, per department policy, pending the outcome of the investigation. Police officials stated that body camera footage from multiple officers was recovered and will be reviewed as part of the inquiry.
In a press conference Monday afternoon, LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel expressed condolences to the families of Aguilar and Reiner while emphasizing the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“This is a devastating situation for everyone involved,” Gwinn-Villaroel said. “Our department takes any loss of life extremely seriously. We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what happened and why.”
Neighbors who live along Ridgecrest Road described waking up to the sound of gunfire and flashing police lights.
“It was chaos,” said one resident, who asked not to be named. “I heard shouting, then several loud pops. When I looked outside, there were police everywhere.”
Friends and relatives of both Aguilar and Reiner have taken to social media to express grief and disbelief over their sudden deaths. Aguilar was remembered as a hardworking father and mechanic who loved his family deeply. Reiner, described as kind and free-spirited, was reportedly pursuing a nursing assistant certification at the time of her death.
Community advocates and local leaders have also called for a transparent investigation and the prompt release of body camera footage. The Kentucky State Police are assisting in reviewing the evidence and witness statements, while the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case for potential criminal findings once the LMPD investigation concludes.
Officer Weaver’s attorney issued a brief statement Tuesday morning, emphasizing that the officer “acted in defense of himself and his fellow officers when confronted with a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation.”
The tragic shooting marks yet another difficult moment for Louisville, a city still grappling with strained relations between law enforcement and residents in the aftermath of prior high-profile incidents. Community leaders are urging calm as the investigation proceeds.
A vigil for Frank Mejia Aguilar and Tiffany Reiner is scheduled for Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. at the Ridgecrest Community Park, where friends, family, and neighbors plan to gather to honor their memory and call for peace and justice.
As the investigation continues, the Louisville community remains heartbroken, searching for answers and hoping for a clearer understanding of what led to the fatal confrontation that ended two lives far too soon.
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