WKYT Investigates: Family questions handling of Lexington teen’s shooting death as investigation continues

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Lexington Police have released a limited set of documents in connection with the death of Tyler Smith, a Lexington teenager killed in a shooting last month, as the family questions how the investigation has been handled.

The WKYT Investigates team requested body camera video and investigative reports — including warrants, arrest citations, criminal complaints and incident reports.

In response, the police department’s records staff said the case remains an open investigation and that premature release of information could make prosecution more difficult.

Police did release three documents: a public report, a dispatch log showing which officers responded and when, and an arrest citation for Bryce Chestnut.

Chestnut, 20, is currently charged with tampering with physical evidence in connection with Smith’s death. He entered a not-guilty plea during his arraignment earlier this week.

According to officers, Chestnut told them he handed the gun to Smith before the shooting.

Lexington police said their preliminary investigation indicated the death appears to be an accidental self-inflicted gunshot.

Smith’s family is questioning the department’s account of events. They are being represented by nationally known civil rights attorney Ben Crump as they continue to push for more answers.

Chestnut is due back in court for a preliminary hearing Sept. 21. Testimony from police officers is possible during that hearing.