31-year-old mother of 2 died after her 38-year-old husband she filed to divorce of went to her workplace and shot her repeatedly before fleeing; man charged
Kentucky – In a shocking incident in western Kentucky, a 38-year-old man, identified as P. Whitnel, has been charged after authorities say he went to his estranged wife’s workplace and shot her multiple times while she was working, killing her before fleeing across state lines. Whitnel now faces a charge of murder relating to domestic violence and violation of a Kentucky emergency protective order or domestic violence order in connection with the death of 31-year-old S. Stacey.
Prosecutors say the deadly attack came amid a collapsing marriage. Investigators later learned that Stacey had recently filed for divorce from Whitnel, a detail that authorities believe played a key role in the events that unfolded that night. The tragic shooting not only ended the life of a young mother but has also sparked calls for new legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic violence.
The violence unfolded in the early morning hours of Dec. 13, 2025, at a nightclub. According to the police department, the incident occurred at approximately 3:14 a.m. At the time, Stacey was working at the establishment. Witnesses inside the business told investigators that a man later identified as Whitnel entered the bar and quickly approached Stacey. Without warning, he allegedly opened fire. According to police, Whitnel “shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the area.”
Panic spread through the nightclub as people inside tried to understand what had just happened. Emergency services were called immediately, and first responders rushed to the scene. Paramedics transported Stacey to a nearby hospital, where doctors attempted to save her life. Despite those efforts, she was later pronounced dead from her injuries. Authorities soon began working to determine what had led to the deadly attack.
Detectives quickly learned that Whitnel and Stacey had previously been in a relationship. Further investigation revealed that the two were married but in the process of getting divorced, according to local reports. Police also learned that Stacey had recently filed legal paperwork to formally end the marriage. That information became a major focus of the investigation. Authorities obtained a warrant charging Whitnel with murder tied to domestic violence, as well as violating a protective order. However, by the time the warrant was issued, Whitnel had already left Kentucky. Investigators began tracking his movements and soon learned that he had crossed into Illinois.
Law enforcement agencies worked together to locate Whitnel. Eventually, officers from the Illinois State Police located him while he was driving in the state. During a traffic stop, officers took Whitnel into custody without incident. He was initially booked into a county jail in Illinois, where he remained while authorities prepared for his return to Kentucky. After the legal process for extradition was completed, Whitnel was transferred back to Kentucky, where he now faces the charges tied to Stacey’s death.
Authorities confirmed that he has been served with the indictment and is scheduled to appear in court on March 12 as the criminal case begins moving forward. The tragedy has left a deep impact on Stacey’s family, friends, and the community where she worked. According to her obituary, Stacey had built a life in the restaurant and hospitality industry, where her personality and dedication made her widely admired.
She was remembered as someone who “thrived in the restaurant and hospitality industry, endearing herself to colleagues and guests alike through her kind-hearted spirit, steadfast dedication, and an admirable work ethic that never faltered.” Those who worked alongside her described her as someone who brought warmth and kindness into every place she worked. The obituary also described how “she was a ray of light in every establishment she graced, and her warm demeanor made her a favorite among patrons and peers.” Beyond her work, Stacey was a devoted mother. She leaves behind two children and a stepdaughter, whose lives have been permanently changed by the loss.
In the aftermath of the killing, Kentucky lawmakers have begun pushing for legislation aimed at strengthening protections for victims of domestic abuse. The proposed measure has been named in honor of Stacey. If passed, the legislation would create a domestic violence registry in Kentucky. Under the proposal, individuals with at least two domestic violence convictions would be placed on a publicly accessible registry containing information such as their name, photograph, date of birth, and details of their crimes. Supporters say the goal of the law is to help communities better identify repeat offenders and prevent future tragedies.
As the legal process continues, Whitnel remains charged with murder connected to domestic violence and violating a protective order. Prosecutors say the evidence gathered so far paints a clear picture of a deadly attack carried out at Stacey’s place of work. The case will now move through the Kentucky court system, where Whitnel is expected to face trial. For Stacey’s loved ones, the pursuit of justice continues, even as they mourn a woman remembered for her warmth, her dedication to others, and the love she had for her children.
