DRYHILL Suspect sought in fatal shooting: Kentucky State Police yesterday were searching for a suspect in the shooting death of a Perry County man. James Combs, 36, of Combs, was shot once in the chest about 11:45 p.m. Monday. State police have obtained a warrant charging Merle Pelphrey , 44, of Hazard, with murder. The shooting occurred at the home of Doug Rice at Dryhill in Leslie County. Police said Combs had gone to the home to pawn some property. Police did not release a possible motive DEATH OF BOY, 4, SPARKS INQUIRY OF SOCIAL SERVICES Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) - Friday, March 15, 1996 Author: Gail Gibson, Herald-Leader Staff Writer Gov. Paul Patton yesterday ordered an investigation of how state social services handled the case of a Leslie County boy who was shot and killed Tuesday night, allegedly by his mother's boyfriend. The governor's actions came as Kentucky State Police yesterday charged Linzie Doug Rice, 41, with murder in the death of 4-year-old Corey Daniel Roberts. Patton ordered Viola Miller, secretary of the state's Cabinet for Families and Children, to report to him on her department's involvement with Corey by 5 p.m. Monday. Patton also called for the creation of a Child Fatality Review Board, similar to those in other states. And he asked Miller to recommend how the state can better protect children. ''I know you will agree with me that the safety of our children, particularly in instances where the state may have a role in providing protective services, is a vital concern to all Kentuckians," Patton said in a letter to Miller. In an interview, Miller yesterday confirmed that social service workers had an open case on Corey and had worked with the family for two to three years. She did not know yet whether Corey had ever been removed from his home. Miller said a comprehensive review of the case already was under way. A report will be ready by Monday's deadline, she said. ''We are absolutely horrified by the death of this child," Miller said. ''There is no greater tragedy." Corey was shot once in the back of the head as he slept on a living room couch, police said. His body showed no other signs of abuse, said David Jones of the state medical examiner's office. Rice, who lived with Corey and the boy's mother, Tammy Roberts, told police that he fired his .38-caliber revolver at an intruder in the house and the stray bullet hit Corey. Police said Tammy Roberts and another person, an acquaintance of the couple whom police would not identify, were also in the living room. Police did not say what evidence led to the murder charge against Rice. Rice was in the Leslie County Jail last night. He will be arraigned next week. Rice's arrest does not mark his first run-in with the law. He has faced various criminal charges in recent years, including an arrest late last year on drug charges after police searched the house and found marijuana, scales, guns and cash. Tammy Roberts also has faced criminal charges, court records show. And Tuesday night was not the first time someone had been killed at the house they shared at Dryhill, about 10 miles north of Hyden. Four months ago, James Combs, 36, was shot to death when he went to Rice's home to pawn some property, police said. A Hazard man, Merle Pelphrey , 44, was charged with murder. That history prompted some in Leslie County to question what was being done to protect Corey. The review Patton ordered might give some answers. Child protection cases usually are confidential. But Miller said yesterday she will make public what she can about this investigation. ''I do not believe that anybody's good is served by not taking a hard, cold look at events like this," she said. "We have to learn from them." The state's system for protecting children has been under close scrutiny for more than a year. Four Wayne County social workers stood trial last summer, charged with complicity to commit murder for not doing enough to protect a toddler who was beaten to death by his stepfather. Those workers were acquitted, but the case prompted a broader review of protective services. A task force last year said more caseworkers, better training and better pay are needed to improve the system. Patton's original budget this winter did not include hiring more caseworkers. He later asked for 30 additional positions, and a Kentucky House panel has approved adding 110 more social workers beginning July 1. Corey Daniel Roberts is survived by his mother, Tammy Roberts, and two older sisters, Jackie Lavone Collins of Sizerock and Billie Nicole Wilder of Hyden. Services for Corey will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Hyden Church of God. Visitation at the church will be after 5 tonight. Dwayne Walker Funeral Home in Hyden is in charge of arrangements.