Background: The Harlan County Detention Center in Evarts, Ky. (Google Maps). Inset: Michael Howard (Harlan County Detention Center).
Michael Howard, aged 36, is confined at the Harlan County Detention Center, with bail set at $1 million in cash. He faces charges of murder in addition to several traffic violations. According to the Kentucky State Police, officers responded to a report of a stabbing incident on Saturday evening in Pathfork, Kentucky. Upon arrival, they discovered 50-year-old Mary Clayborn suffering from numerous stab wounds.
Authorities confirmed that Howard and Clayborn were romantically involved.
Trooper Shane Jacobs from the Kentucky State Police stated that Clayborn had sustained “multiple stab wounds” to her chest and neck upon the first responders’ arrival at 6:57 p.m. Officers made efforts to manage her bleeding at the scene until emergency medical services could take over.
As reported by the local NBC station WLEX, Clayborn was initially taken to Harlan ARH Hospital, where plans were made for her to be airlifted to a larger facility. Tragically, she passed away from her injuries before the transfer could occur. Her body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, according to WLEX.
Local NBC affiliate WLEX reported that she was initially transported to Harlan ARH Hospital, and medical staff planned to have her airlifted to a larger hospital. Clayborn succumbed to her wounds before she could be moved. WLEX reported that her body is now at the State Medical Examiner’s Office, where it will undergo an autopsy.
Jacobs said in a Facebook post that Howard was arrested without incident, though charges listed on online jail records showed that he was charged with resisting arrest. In addition to murder, Howard is also charged with disregarding a stop sign, operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, theft by unlawful taking, and three counts of failure to appear.
Details about Howard’s arrest were not made available. He is being held on $1 million cash bond for the murder charge. His next court date is scheduled for May 22.
