Irvin Pereira, 65, was found inside his Ashland, Kentucky restaurant on June 20, 2021, after responding officers discovered him with multiple gunshot wounds and a knife beside him. He was taken to King’s Daughters Medical Center and pronounced dead. Pereira was a chef and owner of Blazer’s Restaurant and Bakery and was described as an influential local figure who had emigrated from Trinidad and Tobago.Shots were initially attributed to his wife, Jessica Pereira.

As the investigation continued, details of a history of domestic violence were reported. The case was presented to a Boyd County grand jury on possible charges including murder, manslaughter, and reckless homicide.

After reviewing surveillance footage and a 911 call, the grand jury declined to indict, finding evidence that supported Jessica Pereira’s claim she acted in self-defense.The community lost a well-known restaurateur whose death remains a painful topic; anyone with information about that day is asked to come forward.