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Delta Downs Racetrack Vet Among Murdered Kentucky Family
Dr. Emily Champion worked on both the Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses at Delta Downs.

Delta Downs Racetrack Vet Among Murdered Kentucky Family

VINTON, LA—OCTOBER 27, 2014—Dr. Emily Champion, a 31-year-old veterinarian at Baronne Equine Veterinary Clinic in Sunset, Louisana who practiced at Delta Downs Racetrack, was killed by gunfire during a triple homicide case while visiting her family home in Trigg County, a community of some 2,600 people in western Kentucky, about 1 hour and 15 minutes northwest of Nashville.

Kentucky State Trooper Jay Thomas said the family was returning from church at Cadiz Church of Christ before noon Sunday to their rural home when the shootings occurred. Also found dead at the scene were Lindsey Champion, 62, and Joy A. Champion, 60, parents of Dr. Champion.

Vito Y. Riservato, 22, of nearby Hopkinsville, Ky., who authorities believe was the shooter, was found dead at the scene, Thomas said.

Treated at the hospital was a fourth member of the Champion family, Ryan, the Champions' son and Dr. Champion's brother. Thomas said no information will be released about Ryan Champion, who police are considering a witness to the killing.

Thomas said authorities concluded their investigation at the Champions' farm home around 6:30 a.m. today and autopsies are scheduled in Madisonville, KY on Tuesday.

Thomas said investigators are uncertain about the relationship between the Champion family and Riservato, although they believe he might have been introduced to them only last week.

Lindsey Champion had been a veterinarian at Baronne Clinic since 2009. She grew up in Cadiz, graduated Trigg County High School and studied at Western Kentucky University and Auburn University.

She has been based at Delta Downs, working both the Thoroughbred and Quarter horse meetings there. Her interests included equine reproduction, sports medicine and preventive medicine. Her Weimaraner dog, Skyler, was a constant companion.

She was a member of the American Veterinarian Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners.