Kentucky Plant Worker Kills 5 Employees, Self

The shooting occurred at Atlantis Plastics Inc., a manufacturer of specialty polyethylene films.

According to media reports, approximately 35 employees were in the plant working the overnight shift when Wesley N. Higdon, 25, opened fire.

The Associated Press reported that prior to the shooting, Higdon argued with his supervisor about his not wearing safety goggles and using his cell phone on the job. Higdon shot and killed the supervisor, who has been identified as Kevin G. Taylor, 30.

Higdon called his girlfriend, Teresa Solano Ventura, hours before the shooting. Initial reports indicate he told Ventura he wanted to kill his supervisor, but Ventura told The Gleaner of Henderson that Higdon said he wanted to kill himself. She also said she was not aware Higdon kept the .45-caliber pistol in his car.

Higdon fatally shot four other employees before turning the gun on himself. The victims have been identified as Trisha Mirelez, 25, Rachael Vasquez, 26, Joshua Hinojosa, 28, and Israel Monroy, 29. One survivor, Noelia Monroy, is hospitalized following the shooting.

To learn about recognizing and preventing workplace violence, read Preventing Workplace Violence.