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Paducah Nightclub Horror: 31-Year-Old Stephanie Whitnel Shot Dead, Former Partner Arrested

McCracken County, Kentucky | Crime News

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. (KFVS) — Authorities have identified the victim of a deadly early-morning shooting that shocked patrons at a western Kentucky nightclub.

According to the McCracken County Coroner’s Office, 31-year-old Stephanie Stacey Whitnel of Paducah died after being shot at KC’s Bar and Grill early Saturday morning.

Police say the shooting occurred around 3:14 a.m. on December 13 at KC’s Bar and Grill, located in the 3500 block of Park Plaza Drive. Officers responded after receiving reports of gunfire inside the establishment.

Witnesses told investigators that a man, later identified as Phillip S. Whitnel, 38, entered the bar and shot Stephanie multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Stephanie was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.

According to the Paducah Police Department, investigators confirmed that Phillip and Stephanie had previously been in a relationship, leading authorities to classify the incident as a domestic-violence-related homicide.

Detectives tracked Phillip into Illinois, where he was located by Illinois State Police driving in Franklin County.

He was taken into custody during a traffic stop and arrested on a warrant charging him with murder (domestic violence).

Phillip Whitnel is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail pending extradition back to Kentucky, where he is expected to face formal charges.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Paducah Police Department.