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Obituaries – February 2025

Obituaries
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Obituaries – February 2025

The obituaries below are sourced from local funeral homes – Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Imes Funeral Home & Crematory and J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services – and are updated by 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, including weekends and holidays. To read the full obituary, please click on the decedent’s name.

Melissa Ann Blevins

Nov. 6, 1958 – Feb. 23, 2025

Mrs. Melissa Ann (Hale) Blevins of Rainsville, AL, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at her home, following an extended illness.

A Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m., in the Coles Campground Church Fellowship Building.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Ella Faye Niccum Davis

March 12, 1931 – Feb. 28, 2025

Mrs. Ella Faye Niccum Davis, age 93, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Spring Creek Nursing Home in Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Chalmus Edwards will officiate, and burial will follow in the McCuistion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Victoria Lynn Singleton

May 14, 1948 – Feb. 27, 2025

Victoria Lynn Singleton, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Richard Burkeen will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar Street #A, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Mitchell

Oct. 28, 1937 – Feb 27, 2025

Mrs. Peggy Mitchell, 87, of New Concord, KY, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.

A public graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Murray City Cemetery with John Dale and Russ Crosswhite officiating.  Pallbearers include, Chuck Adams, Daniel Spiceland, Randy McCallon, Chad Stubblefield, Morgan Evans and Hector Rojas.  

In order to continue her love for others and to ease the financial burden of advancing a child’s education, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Peggy Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o the Murray Bank, P.O. Box 1300, Murray, Kentucky.

Imes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Randy Eugene Wyatt

Dec. 20, 1956 – Feb. 26, 2025

Mr. Randy E. Wyatt, 68, of Hazel, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his home.

The funeral service for Mr. Randy Wyatt is set for 11 am on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home.  Andrew Clapp will officiate and burial will follow at Storey’s Chapel Cemetery.

His family welcomes visitors from 4 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

James “Jim” Charles Buck

March 10, 1946 – Feb. 26, 2025

Mr. James Charles Buck, 78 of Murray, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his home.

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 10 AM until 12 PM at Imes Funeral Home, 311 N. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071. 

The funeral service will start at 12 PM with Jeff Rudy officiating. Entombment will follow at Murray Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place , Memphis, TN 38105.

Imes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Bobby Lee McCallister

March 3, 1936 – Feb. 24, 2025

Bobby Lee McCallister passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, in Monroe, Washington, after a brief illness.

We will celebrate Bobby on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Murray, Kentucky with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Bro. Wayne Hopkins will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the committal service following in the Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hardin, Kentucky, where he will be laid to rest next to Nancy.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Samuel “Sam” Thomas Wilson

Dec. 15, 1985 – Feb. 16, 2025

Mr. Samuel Wilson, 39, of Murray, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025.  

His family welcomes visitors from 12-3 pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray.

A private, family memorial service will be held following visitation.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Kentucky Storm Relief, 1050 State Park Rd. Pineville, KY 40977.

Imes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Oneda (Outland) Thornton Kaufman

Nov. 7, 1926 – Feb. 23, 2025

Mrs. Oneda (Outland) Thornton Kaufman, 98 of Memphis, TN, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Select Specialty Hospital, Fort Myers, FL.

A service celebrating Oneda’s life will be held in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home on Saturday, March 15th at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor James Outland officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Blood River Cemetery, New Concord, KY.

Services will be webcast Saturday, March 15, 2025 beginning at 12:55 p.m. CST. The link will be provided the morning of the service.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Susan Medlock

Aug. 8, 1960 – Feb. 23, 2025

Mrs. Susan Medlock, age 64, of Henry County, Tennessee passed away, Sunday, February 23, 2025, at her daughter’s home. 

A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Point Pleasant Baptist Church in Buchanan, Tennessee with Bro. Larry Dukes and Bro. Robert McBroom officiating. There will be no public visitation held prior to the Celebration of Life.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Point Pleasant Baptist Church Building Fund, 13700 Hwy 79 North, Buchanan, Tennessee 38222.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Paul Ramsey Stubblefield

Jan. 12, 1938 – Feb. 23, 2025

Mr. Paul Ramsey Stubblefield, 87, of Murray, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House. 

Mr. Stubblefield will be laid to rest in Viola, TN at a later date.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Ted Lovett

d. Feb. 23, 2025

Mr. Ted Lovett, age 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray after an extended illness.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Charley Bazzell and Johnny Parker will officiate, and burial will follow in the Tucker Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Soup for the Soul, PO Box 1001, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar Street #A, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Audrey Elizabeth Malo

March 14, 1938 – Feb. 21, 2025

Ms. Audrey Elizabeth Malo, 86, of Benton, KY, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025.

No services are planned at this time.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.

Stephen David Garner

Feb. 13, 1948 – Feb. 19, 2025

Mr. Stephen David Garner, age 75, of Kirksey, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

A public graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Phillip Bazzell will officiate, and burial will follow. There will be no public visitation. 

The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services to assist in final expenses.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Jimmy D. Allen

July 15, 1948 – Feb. 20, 2025

Mr. Jimmy D. Allen, age 76, of Hardin, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow in the Ferguson Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Bruce Kenton Sizemore

Sept. 3, 1955 – Feb. 18, 2025

Mr. Bruce Kenton Sizemore, 69 of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at his home.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, downtown Murray.  

His family welcomes visitors from 1 pm – 2 pm at the funeral home.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Larry Joe “Hi Pocket” Rogers

Aug. 22, 1954 – Feb. 19, 2025

Mr. Larry Joe “Hi Pocket” Rogers, age 70, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Tommy D. Bray

Sept. 2, 1953 – Feb. 16, 2025

Mr. Tommy D. Bray, age 71, of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray, Kentucky.

Per Tommy’s request, no public services or visitation will be held.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Robert Herrick

Dec. 7, 1941 – Feb. 16, 2025

Mr. Robert Herrick, age 83, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, February 16, 2025, at his home.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Sue Jones Outland

Nov. 21, 1933 – Feb. 15, 2025

Mrs. Sue (Jones) Outland, age 91, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Passion and Purpose in Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. John Dale will officiate, and burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can go to the Tiffany Shemwell Clayton Fund, for infants, children, and youth in our community, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Donald Leroy Stegemoller, Sr.

June 23, 1938 – Feb. 13, 2025

Donald Leroy Stegemoller, Sr. passed away on February 13, 2025. He was the son of Leroy William Stegemoller and Elizabeth Pauline Stegemoller.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Carolyn Sue Stegemoller nee Hazelrigg.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be coordinated at a later date where he will reunite with Carolyn. 

The service will be held at Floral Park Cemetery near their childhood home in Indianapolis, IN.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Robert David Wagner, Jr.

Sept. 27, 1944 – Feb. 12, 2025

Mr. Robert D. Wagner, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, KY.

No services are planned at this time.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Harlan Wayne Snyder

May 19, 1937 – Feb. 11, 2025

Mr. Harlan Wayne Snyder, 87, of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.

Arrangements are currently incomplete at Imes Funeral Home & Crematory.

Cindy L. Ross

April 18, 1959 – Feb. 11, 2025

Mrs. Cindy L. Ross, 65 of Almo, KY, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray, KY.

A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 884 Radio Road, Almo, KY 42020, with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Friends may visit with the family after 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the church.

Cindy will be inurned at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Fort Collins, CO, at a later date.

In remembrance of Cindy’s life, the family asks that donations be made to the Murray-Calloway Co. Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Lane, Murray, KY 42071 or to the Salvation Army Paducah Corps, 2990 Trimble St, Paducah, Kentucky 42003.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Ross.

Dana (Harrison) Bazzell

April 21, 1954 – Feb. 7, 2025

Mrs. Dana (Harrison) Bazzell, age 70, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 17, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Kerry Lambert officiating. Bro. Ricky Cunningham and Rev. Jim Stahler will assist with the service. Burial will follow in the Farmington Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar St. # A, Murray, KY. 42071 or the Dana Bazzell Nursing Scholarship Fund in her memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

Douglas G. Vander Molen

July 27, 1952 – Feb. 8, 2025

Mr. Douglas Vander Molen, 72, of Murray, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Tennova Healthcare in Clarksville, TN.

The funeral service honoring his life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray.  Chris Owens will officiate and burial will follow at Murray City Cemetery.

His family welcomes visitors from 4 pm – 8 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Murray Christian Fellowship, 1208 Chestnut Street, Murray, KY 42071 or University of Michigan, College of Engineering, 500 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 or charity of your choice.

The Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Carol Fay Buchheit

June 14, 1943 – Feb. 11, 2025

Mrs. Carol F. Buchheit, 81, of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at Brookdale Senior Living in Murray.

No services are planned at this time.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.

Donald Shults

d. Feb. 10, 2025

Mr. Donald Shults, 57, of Murray, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah, KY.

No services are planned at this time.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Algie W. Graves, Jr.

Sept. 1, 1950 – Feb. 9, 2025

Mr. Algie Graves, 74, of Murray, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at his home.

The funeral service is set for 12 pm on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, downtown Murray.  Henry Greer will officiate and burial with military honors will follow at Murray Memorial Gardens.

No public visitation will be held.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Bessie N. McCary

Nov. 5, 1930 – Feb. 3, 2025

Bessie Nell Lindsay McCary, age 94, of Shreveport, Louisiana, residing in Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025.

Graveside memorial service will be held March 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana.Graveside memorial service will be held March 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Gedric Paschall

Feb. 6, 1937 – Feb. 7, 2025

Mr. Gedric Paschall, age 88, of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky. 

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow at Sinking Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0360

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Earl Winston Cross

May 28, 1939 – Feb. 3, 2025

Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Earl Winston Cross, a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2025, at the age of 85. The Henderson, Kentucky resident spent his final days at the Anna Mae Owens Residential Hospice House in Murray, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Anna Mae Owens Residential Hospice House in Murray.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Charles R. “Boogie” Thurman, Jr.

Feb. 22, 1940 – Feb. 9, 2025

Mr. Charles Rudolph “Boogie” Thurman, Jr., 84 of Murray, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital in Paducah.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, KY with Brian Johnson and Ashley Thurman officiating. Entombment will follow the service in the Murray City Cemetery Mausoleum.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, February 15, 2025, after 12:00 noon until the funeral hour, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Thurman.

Marie Jeannette Hicks

June 9, 1924 – Feb. 6, 2025

Mrs. Marie Jeannette Hicks, age 100, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate, and entombment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum. No public visitation will be held. 

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Samuel William Meyers, Jr.

Dec. 30, 1959 – Feb. 8, 2025

Mr. Sam Meyers, 65, of Murray, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at his home.  

No services are planned at this time.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Mary Lou Lyles

April 8, 1943 – Feb. 3, 2025

Mrs. Mary Lou Lyles, age 81, of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Bro. Jim Stahler will officiate with the burial to follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Monday, February 10, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. 

Expression of sympathy may be made to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Joe B. Bowden

March 11, 1940 – Feb. 3, 2025

Mr. Joe Brooks Bowden, age 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Tri Star Hospital in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2025, in the Mt Carmel Cemetery in Kirksey, Kentucky. Todd and Clarissa King will officiate. No public visitation will be held.

Expression of sympathy may be made to the Murray Calloway County Senior Citizens Center, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Peggy Louise Hutchinson

March 23, 1954 – Feb. 3, 2025

Mrs. Peggy Louise Hutchinson, age 70, of Dexter, Kentucky, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at her home.

There will be no public services or visitation held at this time.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Joanne Florence Fuller

Jan. 31, 1929 – Feb. 4, 2025

Joanne Fuller passed away February 4, 2025, at Murray Calloway County Hospital. The family wants to thank the highly skilled and compassionate caregivers who helped through this difficult time. Joanne was 96. She was born January 31, 1929.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to the Humane Society of Calloway County or the American Cancer Society.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Tommy “The Kid” Patterson

March 27, 1977 – Feb. 2, 2025

Mr. Tommy “The Kid” Patterson, age 47, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Jim Greenwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Cemetery in Paris, Tennessee. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Genaro Capo

Oct. 28, 1940 – Feb. 4, 2025

Mr. Genaro Capo, 84 of Murray, KY, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation, Murray, KY.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Charlotte Edmonson

March 4, 1969 – Feb. 2, 2025

Mrs. Charlotte Edmonson, age 55, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at University of Louisville Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow in the Hicks Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

Daniel Scott Briggs

Dec. 17, 1958 – Feb. 2, 2025

Mr. Daniel Scott Briggs, 66 of Murray, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.

Per Mr. Briggs wishes, no services will be held. 

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.

Jean Miller

March 26, 1939 – Feb. 1, 2025

Mrs. Jean Miller, age 85, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Passion and Purpose HomeCare Assisted Living for our SENIORS.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Phillip Bazzell officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. 

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Passion and Purpose HomeCare Assisted Living for our SENIORS, 212 Crestview Drive, Almo, Kentucky 42020.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Bobby C. Hughes

Dec. 26, 1934 – Feb. 1, 2025

Mr. Bobby C. Hughes, age 90, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the Coles Campground Cemetery. John Dale will officiate. No public visitation will be held.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to American Lung Association in Kentucky, PO Box 9067, Louisville, Kentucky 40209-0067.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. 

Gray re-charged in Marshall County

Jessica Paine
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Gray re-charged in Marshall County

BENTON, Ky. – The Murray man whose case in Calloway District Court was dismissed earlier this week for improper venue now faces sodomy and sexual abuse charges in Marshall County.

On Wednesday morning, Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens dismissed the case in his court against Stephen Gray, a 71-year-old Calloway County resident charged with first-degree sodomy (victim under 12 years of age) and first-degree sexual abuse (victim under 12 years of age, two counts each, after testimony at his preliminary hearing revealed that the alleged crimes actually took place at a previous residence of Gray’s in Marshall County.

After the hearing, Gray was taken back to the Calloway County Detention Center and released. That evening, Marshall District Judge Jack Telle issued a warrant, and Gray was arrested by the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office at his New Concord residence. While Gray was held on a $100,000 cash bond on his charges in Calloway, Telle set his bond in the new case at $50,000 cash.

The complaint warrant filed in Marshall District Court Wednesday night was also written by Calloway County Sheriff’s Office deputy Nicholas Dues and is, by and large, the same document he filed in Calloway County on Jan. 21; it does, however, provide a few more details.

The only substantive change between the charging documents is the range of dates when the alleged abuse occurred. The original complaint warrant filed in Calloway District Court stated that the alleged abuse took place between March 1, 2022, and March 1, 2023. In the Marshall County, the complaint warrant alleges the abuse occurred between Aug. 1, 2023, and Aug. 1, 2024.

While the connection between Gray’s daughter and the victims was ambivalent in the Calloway case, the Marshall County complaint identifies her as the victims’ mother.

This is not the first time Gray has been charged with sexual abuse in Marshall County. In 2016, Gray was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse (victim under 12 years of age) in addition to 79 counts of possession and four counts of distributing pornographic matter portraying sexual performance by a minor. The victims in those cases were also his grandchildren. He served five years in prison and was released in November 2021.

Gray will be arraigned in Marshall District Court on Monday, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m.

Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court of law.

Abuse case against registered sex offender dismissed for improper venue

Jessica Paine
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Abuse case against registered sex offender dismissed for improper venue

MURRAY – The case against a Murray man who was arraigned in Calloway District Court last week on sexual abuse charges was dismissed yesterday after continued investigation revealed that the alleged abuse occurred in Marshall County, not Calloway County. Although the Calloway case was dismissed, Dennis Foust, Commonwealth’s attorney for the 42nd Judicial District, which covers both counties, said that charges in Marshall County are imminent.

Stephen Gray, 71, of Murray, made his second appearance before Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens yesterday for his preliminary hearing. He was arraigned last Wednesday on two counts of first-degree sodomy, victim under 12 years of age, and two counts of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years of age.

According to the complaint warrant, the investigation began after a Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) case worker contacted Calloway County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy Nicholas Dues about two boys that were possibly sexually assaulted. He accompanied the case worker to a local daycare center and a local elementary school to interview the respective victims.

The younger child did not speak to investigators about matters related to the case, but the older child did, sharing, among other things, he was five years old when the alleged abuse began, Dues wrote. He described sex acts that Gray allegedly performed on him and his brother and said that Gray made the boys perform similar acts on him and each other.

Gray, who is wearing a court-provided hearing device, waits for his case to be called in Calloway District Court on Wednesday. (Zoom screenshot)

The alleged abuse occurred between March 1, 2022, and March 1, 2023, the complaint warrant stated. At the time, the children were living with Gray’s daughter. The older boy told investigators that the children would stay with Gray and his wife when their caregiver went to work. He also shared that the abuse mostly happened in Gray’s bedroom, but his wife was never in the room, adding that she “would always be in the living room or somewhere else.”  

Notably, court records from two separate Marshall Circuit Court cases filed in 2014 show that, approximately four months earlier, Gray was released from custody of the Kentucky Department of Corrections after serving five of a 10-year prison sentence.

In the first case, he pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12 and 79 counts of possession of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor. In the second case, he pleaded guilty to another count of third-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years old, and four counts of distribution of matter portraying sexual performance by a minor.

The details of the 2014 cases are reminiscent of the one dismissed in Calloway District Court yesterday in that all of the victims were young boys to whom Gray had access via his own children. According to court documents, over the course of the investigation, an elder sibling of the victim in the first case reported seeing pornographic photos of two younger cousins on Gray’s computer five or six years earlier.

The photos showed the boys, aged 4-8 at the time the photos were taken, in Gray’s computer room with a hand pulling down their underwear to expose their genitals. Although those specific photos were not found, a forensic interview with one of the boys resulted in additional charges.

Gray was originally charged with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years old – two in the first case and one in the second – but pursuant to the plea agreement, those charges were amended to two third-degree sexual abuse charges. He received two consecutive five-year sentences, one for each case, and was remanded into custody in February 2016; he was also ordered to register on the sex offender registry. Gray was released from prison on supervised probation on Nov. 26, 2021.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Burkeen questions officer Nicholas Dues at Gray’s preliminary hearing. (Zoom screenshot)

At yesterday’s preliminary hearing, Burkeen called Dues as his first witness. After verifying his name and employment and establishing that he was present for the interviews that prompted the charges, Burkeen attempted to establish venue for the proceedings by asking Dues if the alleged crimes occurred in Calloway County, but to his surprise, Dues said he believed the abuse took place in Benton. At that point, Hutchens paused the hearing to allow Burkeen time to confer with the witness.

“Based on the question that came out regarding venue, I spoke with the officer again,” Burkeen told the court after the recess. “Basically, there’s been some very late developments in the investigation, I think as of this morning, determining that these incidents actually took place at a different address, and that address is, in fact, in Marshall County. So, based on that, the Commonwealth is moving to dismiss without prejudice and likely be recharged in Marshall County.”

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Burkeen moves to dismiss the charges against Gray without prejudice. (Zoom screenshot)

Hutchens asked if the Commonwealth would prefer to transfer the case, but Burkeen advised that he had spoken with Foust and his preference was to dismiss the Calloway case and recharge Gray in Marshall.

“Mr. Gray,” Hutchens said to the defendant, “if I, instead of transferring it, do what he’s asked me to do, are you going to be in contact with these alleged victims?”

Dominik Mikulcik, Gray’s attorney, stepped in and told the judge that the defense was not aware of who the alleged victims are, adding that the names were redacted on the complaint warrant.

“The original complaint he was served with had some names in it, so I assumed he knew the names,” Hutchens said. “I’ve redacted it for the record, but if counsel needs to get a copy of it unredacted, I can ask the Commonwealth or otherwise have the clerk provide it to you, but I’m not going to, on the record, name juveniles. … He needs to understand to stay away from them. For no other reason, that would be another crime; it would be tampering with witnesses. So, on motion of the Commonwealth, case dismissed without prejudice. Mr. Gray will be taken back to the detention center and released.”

In an interview after the hearing, Foust acknowledged that, in some ways, it might be easier to just transfer the case, but based on his experience with transferring cases between counties, that is not the best method for addressing the issue of improper venue.

Regarding potential complicity charges against the boys’ caregiver and/or Gray’s wife for the leaving the children alone with Gray, knowing he was a registered sex offender, Foust advised that, because the case is still being actively investigated, he was not at liberty to speak on that matter, specifically. He did, however, explain that investigating and addressing the alleged criminal acts themselves take priority.

“I really think it’s a matter of looking and seeing where the investigation takes everybody,” he said. “But I understand (the sentiment), ‘If somebody left somebody with a registered sex offender, how can that not be a crime?’ At this point, with not knowing more of the facts about what somebody did or didn’t do, I’ll just have to let the investigation take its course; but if there’s culpability on the part of others, then we’re going to see to it that anybody who may have culpability in anything is going to be charged.”

As for charges being filed against Gray in Marshall County, Foust said he had spoken with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office and was told they are trying to get it done as quickly as possible.

“If it hasn’t already been done, I would expect it to be done by the end of the day,” he added.

As of 9:30 a.m., charges in Marshall County against Gray were still pending; however, CCSO rearrested him yesterday, and he was lodged in the Calloway County Detention Center.

The Sentinel reached out to Mikulcik for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Press release: Students and workers at campuses across Kentucky Organize DEI Awareness Day

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Press release: Students and workers at campuses across Kentucky Organize DEI Awareness Day

Students and workers at campuses across Kentucky organize awareness day to sound alarm about higher education issues. United Campus Workers and Kentuckians for Higher Education are organizing a DEI Awareness Day across Kentucky this Tuesday, January 28th. This statewide event aims to bring together higher education students, workers, and community allies who believe that ALL Kentuckians should have access to safe, equitable, and secure jobs and educational opportunities. 

With the ongoing challenges posed by the anti-DEI Executive Order and potential statewide legislation, it’s crucial to stand together and advocate for an accessible and inclusive future for higher education in Kentucky.

Event Details

  • What: Kentuckians for Higher Education DEI Awareness Day
  • When: Tuesday, January 28th
  • Where: 
    – 10am-12pm, Free Speech Zone, Murray State University
    – 11am-1pm, Powell Student Center (ground floor), Eastern Kentucky University
    – 11am-3:30pm, Humanities Quad, University of Louisville
    – 12:30pm-2:30pm, Outside the Adron Doran University Center, Morehead State University 

This day will feature:

  • Tabling with informational resources and flyers.
  • Storytelling that underscores the personal and community impact of DEI.
  • Statewide engagement on social media to highlight why DEI matters to all of us.

Representatives from the Kentuckians for Higher Education Coalition and United Campus Workers will be leading this event at UofL. United Campus Workers of Kentucky is an affiliate of the Communications Workers of America with over 800 dues-paying members at universities across the Commonwealth. It is a union open to all campus workers in the Commonwealth fighting for a higher education and public healthcare system that puts patients, students, and workers first. Kentuckians for Higher Education Kentuckians for Higher Education is a coalition of campus workers, students, community members, and organizations who believe that ALL Kentuckians have access to safe, equitable, and secure jobs and educational opportunities.

MCCH launches new search for CEO

Jessica Paine
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MCCH launches new search for CEO

MURRAY – The search for Murray-Calloway County Hospital’s next CEO is back on. Following an executive session held at the end of today’s board meeting, trustees voted for the internal search committee to lead one more attempt to hire a new CEO before resorting to a third-party search firm.

After MCCH’s current CEO, Jerry Penner, announced his retirement last summer, the board decided to form an internal committee to conduct the search rather than paying an outside firm. Trustee Amy Futrell chaired the committee, which included Board Chair Steve Owens, Vice Chair Summer Cross, Chief of Staff Dr. Nicholas O’Dell and Dan Renick.

Starting with a pool that exceeded 150 applicants, the search committee selected 10 candidates to interview via Zoom. Of the 10 candidates interviewed, five were invited for on-site interviews with the full board. One candidate withdrew their application prior to those interviews due to salary concerns, and another candidate withdrew after their interview because they received another job offer.

Upon a motion from Futrell at a special called meeting in early December, the board unanimously voted to offer the position to Tonda Haigler, system vice president for ambulatory services for Baptist Health of Central Alabama; however, she declined the offer.

Current MCCH COO John Wilson was among the four interviewed by the full board, but he withdrew his name from consideration after the position was offered to Haigler, Owens told The Sentinel today. Of the four applicants interviewed by the full board last year, only one remains in the candidate pool.*

At the regular December meeting, Owens noted that no decisions had been made as to how the board would proceed with the search before advising he had asked Penner to look into the cost of hiring an outside firm.

Penner reported hearing back from two of three firms. Both returned quotes roughly one-third of the new CEO’s first-year salary and estimated a four- to six-month timeframe for beginning the recruitment process.

The December meeting also ended with an executive session related to personnel matters, but no action was taken.

Today, after reconvening in regular session, Mayor Bob Rogers moved to charge the search committee with contacting the five candidates who were interviewed via Zoom but not invited for an on-site interview with the full board “to gauge their interest and availability” and decide which candidates, if any, to invite for an interview.

Rogers further moved to reopen the search for two weeks, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 10, “to allow anyone who wishes to apply but did not meet the earlier deadline to submit their application and resume,”  and for the search committee to conduct Zoom interviews with the candidates between Feb. 11 and 14.

“If after February 14,” Rogers concluded, “the search committee does not feel there is a qualified pool to interview or after full-board interviews an applicant is not selected, a search firm will then be considered.”

Marti Erwin seconded the motion, and all 11 board members – Futrell, Owens, Cross, O’Dell, Renick, Rogers, Erwin, Calloway County Judge-Executive Kenny Imes, Shawn Reynolds, Joetta Kelly and Gale Broach Sharp – voted in favor.

Before adjourning, it was clarified that Penner agreed to continue serving as CEO until his replacement is found; therefore, no interim CEO will be appointed. Originally, Penner planned to step down on March 31.

 *Editor’s note: The candidate’s name was withheld at their request.

Weekly Public Meeting Schedule (Jan. 20-24)

Sentinel Staff
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Weekly Public Meeting Schedule (Jan. 20-24)

Monday, Jan. 20

  • The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Finance Committee will meet at noon in the hospital’s Garrison Boardroom and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for Zoom connection details). The Personnel Committee meeting will follow at 1 p.m. See agendas for both meetings below.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

  • The Murray Planning Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. See agenda.
  • The Calloway County Conservation District Board of Supervisors will hold a special called meeting at 7 p.m. at the USDA Service Center, 88 Robertson Road South.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

  • The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Audit Committee will meet at 10 a.m. in the hospital’s Dalton Conference Room and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for connection details). See agenda.
  • The full Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees will meet at noon in hospital’s Garrison Boardroom and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for connection details). See agenda.
  • The Murray Board of Zoning Adjustments will meet at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall. See agenda.

Press release: Quest Fitness Center seeks participants for world record attempt

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Press release: Quest Fitness Center seeks participants for world record attempt

MURRAY – On May 3, Roy Stewart Stadium will be the stage for a historic and inspiring event: an attempt to set a new world record for the largest number of people doing sit-ups simultaneously. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will embody this year’s theme: Freedom, Friendship, and Fitness.

This extraordinary initiative is the vision of Grand Master Tung Dinh, a man whose legacy is marked by decades of superhuman feats performed to honor his journey to freedom and the freedoms of others. Through his incredible strength and perseverance, Mr. Dinh has become a symbol of determination, community, and gratitude. This year, he invites the Murray community to join him in commemorating two significant milestones: the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War (April 30) and National Fitness Day (May 3).

A Feat of Strength and Unity

Leading up to the event, Mr. Dinh will complete 5,000 sit-ups daily from April 26 through May 2, culminating in a staggering total of 25,000 sit-ups. His ultimate goal is to honor each of the 58,500 names inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall by completing one sit-up for every name. On May 3, he will call on the community to join him in achieving the remaining 33,500 sit-ups needed to meet this goal and simultaneously set a new world record.

To achieve this ambitious target, the event will aim to gather 2,200 participants who will each perform sit-ups for one minute. With an average of 15 sit-ups per person, together the community will reach the goal of 58,500 sit-ups, combining individual efforts into a collective achievement.

The event will kick off with Mr. Dinh leading the community in a moment of reflection and gratitude to honor the freedoms so many fought for. Following this, participants will unite in friendship to work toward the ambitious fitness goal, embodying the day’s overarching theme.

A Call to Action

Residents of Murray and surrounding areas are encouraged to participate in this once in a lifetime event and be part of history. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a supporter of veterans, or simply someone who values the power of community, this event is for everyone. Together, let’s honor our past, celebrate our freedoms, and inspire future generations to prioritize health and unity.

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
  • Location: Roy Stewart Stadium, Murray, KY

The entry fee for the event is $15 per person, and all participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt.

Please register in advance at  https://FreedomFriendshipFitness.eventbrite.com.

Or for more information contact Quest Fitness Center at (270)753-6111.

About Grand Master Tung Dinh

Grand Master Tung Dinh is an esteemed figure known for his unparalleled physical achievements and his dedication to honoring freedom and community. He is the owner of Quest Fitness and Martial Arts America, where he encourages a healthy lifestyle for children and adults. Over the years, he has used his feats of strength to inspire and unite people, commemorating the resilience of the human spirit, the importance of remembrance, and the beauty of freedom.

Press release: Jackson Purchase Historical Society to meet on Jan. 25 at Paducah’s Tilghman House

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Press release: Jackson Purchase Historical Society to meet on Jan. 25 at Paducah’s Tilghman House

The January meeting of the Jackson Purchase Historical Society will be held at the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum at 641 Kentucky Avenue in Paducah on Saturday, January 25 beginning at 10:30 a.m.

The meeting will focus on irregular warfare in west Kentucky during the Civil War with a focus on the activities of Adam Rankin Johnson. The program will be presented by Derrick Lindow who has recently published We Shall Conquer or Die: Partisan Warfare in Western Kentucky, a thoroughly researched account of Johnson’s activities.

Lindow describes Johnson’s activities briefly, “A deadly and expensive war within a war was waged behind the lines (and often out of the major headlines) in western Kentucky. In 1862, the region was infested with guerrilla activity that pitted brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor in a personal war that often recognized few boundaries. The riding and fighting took hundreds of lives, destroyed or captured millions of dollars of equipment, and siphoned away thousands of men from the Union war effort.”

“The Jackson Purchase Historical Society is pleased to have Derrick Lindow as our speaker. His work provides a detailed look at the partisan warfare that raged across Kentucky during the Civil War and examines the wide range of issues involved with irregular warfare. We hope people will turn out to hear this important, and often neglected part of the history of our region at that time,” said Bill Mulligan, JPHS president. “Those who have not visited the Tilghman House will have a chance to see a very strong collection of artifacts from the period,” he concluded.

Derrick Lindow is an 8th grade United States history teacher in Owensboro, Kentucky. He graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College (2010) with a BA in history and holds a Masters in Education from the University of the Cumberlands. He obtained a Master of Arts in history from Western Kentucky University in 2023. He is the 2015 Dr. Tom and Betty Lawrence National History Teacher Award recipient from the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the 2019 James Madison Fellow for the state of Kentucky. Derrick is the creator and co-administrator of the Western Theater in the Civil War website, which brings together authors and historians to write about that crucial area of the war. The Kentucky native is married to his wife Allie and is the father of two boys, Ezra and Owen.

In 1958, a group of historians met in Murray, Kentucky led by faculty from Murray State University and University of Tennessee-Martin and formed the Jackson Purchase Historical Society to promote interest, study, and preservation of the regional history of the territory encompassed in the Treaty of Tuscaloosa, known as the Jackson Purchase. The society now holds eleven meetings each year with a speaker on Jackson Purchase history and publishes an award-winning Journal on local history. Members include a wide range of people who simply share a love of history and a love of the Jackson Purchase area.

The society recently refurbished its website and an array of information about the society and Jackson Purchase history is available at: jacksonpurchasehistoricalsociety.org.

Free electronic access to back issues of the Journal through 2023 is available through the Murray State University Libraries.

Articles are welcome for future issues of the JPHS Journal and can be sent to the editor, Bill Mulligan at billmulligan@murray-ky.net. We also welcome inquiries about topics, books for review, or offers to review a book. Copies of the Journal are available from the Jackson Purchase Historical Society, PO Box 531, Murray, KY 42071. The cost is $15.90 including postage and sales tax. Anyone interested in Jackson Purchase history is welcome to join the JPHS.

Press release: Kentucky releases first-of-its-kind toolkit to combat strangulation

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Press release: Kentucky releases first-of-its-kind toolkit to combat strangulation

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 15, 2025) – Attorney General Russell Coleman released the Commonwealth’s first-ever toolkit to combat the horrific crime of strangulation during an event today at the University of Kentucky’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington. The Manual, “Responding to Strangulation in Kentucky: Guidelines for Prosecutors, Law Enforcement, Health Care Providers and Victim Advocates” is one of the first of its kind across the country.

In 2019, the Kentucky General Assembly passed the Commonwealth’s first statute on strangulation, making it a serious felony. According to the Manual, strangulation is one of the most accurate predictors for the subsequent homicide of victims of domestic violence. It’s also one of the most lethal forms of domestic violence.

The majority of all police officers killed in the line of duty are killed by men who have strangled women, according to The Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention.

“Strangulation is a cruel and brutal crime. Because of the difficulties identifying the visible and nonvisible signs of the abuse, it has been challenging to investigate and prosecute. This Manual aims to end that,” said Attorney General Coleman. “With the collaboration of this outstanding team from diverse backgrounds, we have developed a comprehensive guide to help protect victims and prosecute offenders. This Manual will help our partners across Kentucky keep this Commonwealth safe.”  

The Manual identifies the signs of strangulation for medical professionals and law enforcement. It also shares strategies to effectively prosecute cases under Kentucky law and how advocates should engage with victims who suffered this specific crime.

If you have been a victim of a crime, contact the Attorney General’s Victim Resource and Referral Line at (800) 372-2551.

Read Responding to Strangulation in Kentucky: Guidelines for Prosecutors, Law Enforcement, Health Care Providers and Victim Advocates and watch the press conference. 

For more than a year, a multidisciplinary team of Kentucky professionals, experts and public servants developed the Manual, including the Attorney General’s Office, the Boone County Attorney’s Office, Louisville Metro Police Department, The Nest in Lexington, Kentucky Children’s Hospital with UK HealthCare and St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Northern Kentucky.

“The collaborative between the Kentucky Children’s Hospital, the Office of the Attorney General and others to launch the Kentucky Manual on the Investigation and Prosecution of Strangulation further positions UK, UK HealthCare and the Commonwealth of Kentucky as national leaders in work to aid our children and families,” said Robert S. DiPaola, M.D., UK co-executive vice president for health affairs.

“Given that victims of strangulation may have no outward sign of injury can be challenging for medical professionals in regards to how to assess victims.  This manual will help to ensure that all victims of strangulation across the entire state receive care according to best practices.” said Christina Howard, M.D. Medical Director of the Kentucky Children’s Kosair for Kids Center for Safe and Healthy Children and Families. 

“Before the strangulation statue became law in 2019, I saw first-hand the struggles the law enforcement community across Kentucky faced when investigating strangulations,” said Louisville Metro Police Department Sergeant Sarah Mantle. “With this Manual, agencies across Kentucky will finally have direction when responding to and investigating strangulations; training will be more consistent and victim-centered, and relations between law enforcement and survivors of domestic violence will continue to improve as officers learn the true dynamics involved in strangulations.”

“The most dangerous domestic violence offenders strangle their victims. The most violent rapists strangle their victims. It used to be thought that all abusers were equal. They are not,” wrote Casey Gwinn, President of Alliance for HOPE International, Gael Strack, CEO of Alliance for HOPE International and Craig Kinsbury, Chief of Twin Falls Police Department, Idaho in Police Chief Magazine. “Research has now made clear that when a man puts his hands around a woman’s neck, he has just raised his hand and said, ‘I’M A KILLER.’ He is more likely to kill police officers, to kill children, and to later kill his partner. So, when you hear ‘He chocked me,’ now you know…you are at the edge of a homicide.” Gwinn, Strack and the Alliance for HOPE International joined Attorney General Coleman’s multidisciplinary team to develop Kentucky’s Manual.   

Local man arraigned on sexual abuse charges

Jessica Paine
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Local man arraigned on sexual abuse charges

MURRAY – A Murray man facing sodomy and sexual abuse charges was arraigned in Calloway District Court Tuesday.

The Murray Police Department (MPD) arrested Phillip Doughty, 45, last week and charged him with first-degree sodomy, victim under 12 years of age, and first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years of age.

The sodomy charge is a class A felony and carries a potential penalty of incarceration for 20 years to life. The sexual abuse charge is a class C felony, punishable by five to 10 years in the state penitentiary.

According to the uniform citation, MPD launched its investigation in December after receiving information from the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services regarding a possible sexual offense. Lotus Sexual Assault Center conducted a forensic interview with the alleged victim. During that interview, the victim disclosed information to the counselor that was consistent with sexual abuse.

When interviewed by law enforcement, Doughty allegedly admitted to having the child perform sex acts with their hand and mouth, the citation stated, further noting that the child was six years old at the time the alleged abuse occurred.   

Doughty was arrested on Jan. 9 and is being held in the Calloway County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond. On Tuesday, he made his first appearance before Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens via Zoom from the jail and entered a plea of not guilty.

Doughty (Photo provided)

Doughty informed Hutchens that he was supposed to start a new job on Monday, but, at the time of his arrest, he was still unemployed. Hutchens appointed the Department of Public Advocacy to represent Doughty and set his preliminary hearing on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at 9 a.m.

Before stepping away from the podium, Doughty asked if his bond could be reduced, but Hutchens advised that a reduction in the bond amount was not appropriate at the present time.

“You’re charged with a class A felony,” the judge said. “That carries a potential life sentence, so obviously, it’s serious; so, I’m not going to change it today. We’ll talk again next week.”

In its press release about the arrest, MPD advised that if members of the public have any information about this or any other crimes, they can leave an anonymous tip by contacting Murray Calloway County Crime Stoppers at 270-753-9500.

Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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