An uninvited guest opened fire at a Kentucky birthday party early Saturday morning, killing four people and critically injuring three more.

The killer fled the scene as police arrived and led officers on a chase that ended when he crashed into a ditch, WLWT reported. Police found him suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and believe he shot himself while driving. He was taken to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Florence, where he was pronounced dead.

Florence Police Chief Jeff Mallery said officers heard “shots being fired” as they arrived at the home, where the homeowner’s son was celebrating his 21st birthday.

“He just showed up,” said Mallery. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the victims.”

The chief said the three wounded victims were taken to UC Health Hospital where they are in critical but stable condition and expected to make a “full recovery.”

Mallery identified the fatalities as Shane Miller, 20; Hayden Rybicki, 20; Delaney Eary, 19; and Melissa Parrett,  the 44-year-old homeowner whose son was the party’s honoree.

The murderer was identified as Chase Garvey, 21. Court records show that Garvey had two convictions for rape and sodomy in 2021. Mallery also said that police had been called to the home earlier in the evening for a noise complaint.

Garvey, he said, appeared to have driven to the house with the intent of killing people. Investigators are still working to determine why.

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[Featured image: Chase Garvey/Florence Police Department]