Thomas Kriegel, an 81-year-old retired realtor and long-time resident of Lakebow Court in Lexington, Kentucky, was found dead in his living room on the afternoon of Friday, October 24, 2025, after family and neighbors requested a welfare check. The Fayette County Coroner’s Office confirmed he died from a single gunshot wound.

Neighbors remembered Kriegel as a kind, generous presence on the quiet cul-de-sac where he lived for more than three decades. Lexington Police Department detectives from the Personal Crimes Unit processed the scene, canvassed the neighborhood and maintained a visible presence as the investigation unfolded.

Following a public tip, detectives identified a suspect and on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, arrested a 17-year-old male and charged him with murder; his name has not been released due to his age and he was placed in juvenile detention in Warren County. Motive and any prior connection between victim and suspect remained unclear.

If anyone knew Thomas Kriegel or has information that could help fill in what happened, please share tips with the Lexington Police Department.