It began as a gathering of good friends at a Somerset apartment. But not long after the tenant's ex-boyfriend, Matthew Patterson, joined the party, police say things began to turn ugly.

"The conversation escalated into an argument. And a domestic violence incident," said Somerset Det. Lt. Shannon Smith.

Police say when the apartment's resident felt threatened by Patterson.......Jeremiah Litton and Glenn Blevins tried to help her.

"They came to her aid, when things became violent in the living room of the apartment," Smith said.

Police say Patterson took out his pistol...shot both Litton and Blevins. Litton died later...and Blevins was treated for a gunshot wound to the back.

Matthew Patterson does not have much of a criminal record in Pulaski County. But his ex wife once took out an emergency protective order out against him.

That domestic violence order in 2006 accused Patterson of threatening to harm or kill his former wife if she left him. Now 5 years later....police say Litton and Blevins were trying to help Patteron's ex-girlfriend....when they came in the line of fire instead.

"They didn't go there looking for a fight, they were unarmed at the time. In the end they were the ones who ended up getting shot and unfortunately Mr. Litton lost his life trying to help someone out," said Smith.

The shootings have shocked many, and even those who say they know Patterson say it's hard to believe he would commit such a violent act. Friends of all three says none were involved in drugs....and weren't known to run with the wrong crowd.