Man Detained Over Halloween Decoration That Resembled Body Bag: Police

Cops in Kentucky were not amused by a man’s Halloween decoration display that showed local officials in fake body bags.

Stephan Marcum, 58, stands accused of making terroristic threats. According to a picture from Lexington CBS affiliate WKYT, the display consisted of five body bags, including one hanging from a noose labeled “District Judge” and others reading “Mayor” and “Zoning Mgr.” outside his home in Stanton. The TV station reported that Commonwealth’s Attorney Miranda King saw the display and alerted the Kentucky State Police.

Powell County Judge Eddie Barnes told NBC News that Marcum and the city have been engaged in a battle over his refusal to follow zoning requirements, which state that homes must have running water, sewer, and electrical services. Marcum was known to “use the bathroom in a bucket and just dump it out,” much to the chagrin of neighbors, Barnes told 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 said. “At first I didn’t know what to think about it because I actually drove by and [saw] it in his yard and I’m thinking you know, wow, you know, that’s kinda harsh.”

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 judge who was first assigned to the case had to recuse himself because he believed he was the “District judge” depicted in the display as he is handling the zoning case, Barnes said.

Marcum remains in the Powell County Jail.