Inset: Stephan Marcum (Powell County Jail). Background: Marcum”s alleged Halloween display showing local officials in fake body bags (WKYT).
Cops in Kentucky were not amused by a man’s Halloween decoration display that showed local officials in fake body bags.
Stephan Marcum, 58, faces charges of making terroristic threats. A photo from Lexington CBS affiliate WKYT showed a display with five body bags at Marcum’s Stanton home, one hanging from a noose labeled “District Judge” and others labeled “Mayor” and “Zoning Mgr.” Commonwealth’s Attorney Miranda King reported the display to the Kentucky State Police after seeing it.
Powell County Judge Eddie Barnes explained to NBC News that Marcum and the city were in conflict over his non-compliance with zoning laws demanding that homes have running water, sewer, and electrical services. Marcum reportedly disposed of waste by using a bucket, upsetting his neighbors, Barnes mentioned to NBC News.
Barnes said in an interview with WKYT that he also saw the display.
“This is something you just don’t see every day,” Barnes commented. “Initially, I wasn’t sure what to think because I actually drove by and saw it in his yard and thought, wow, that’s pretty severe.”
Barnes said he’s known Marcum for decades and does not see him as a threat, but doesn’t believe that’s the best way to express himself.
The initial judge on the case had to step down, as he believed he was the “District judge” noted in the display, given his role in the zoning case, said Barnes.
Marcum remains in the Powell County Jail.
