Brian Michael Johnson, 43, was shot and killed at his home on Coldiron Branch in Cumberland, Kentucky, on November 22, 2025. Troopers from KSP Post 10 responded to a 911 call shortly after 4:00 a.m.; Johnson was found with a gunshot wound to the face, transported to a nearby hospital, and pronounced dead later that morning. The Harlan County Coroner requested an autopsy through the State Medical Examiner’s Office to clarify the medical cause of death and document the circumstances.

Investigators from multiple agencies responded, and Kentucky State Police identified 45-year-old James Sizemore of Cumberland as the alleged shooter. Sizemore was located on Highway 119 and arrested at about 7:30 a.m. He was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center and formally charged with murder. Authorities have not released a motive or detailed the relationship, if any, between Johnson and Sizemore, and describe the investigation as active.

Johnson’s obituary and memorials describe him as a family man from eastern Kentucky who enjoyed ginsenging, welding, hunting, and documentaries and who was remembered for his sense of humor. If anyone has information about the events leading up to the shooting, please share what is known with investigators.