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Background: The Harlan County Detention Center in Evarts, Ky. (Google Maps). Inset: Michael Howard (Harlan County Detention Center).
Michael Howard, aged 36, is currently held at the Harlan County Detention Center with a bail set at $1 million in cash. He faces murder charges along with several traffic-related offenses. As per the Kentucky State Police, troopers received a call regarding a stabbing incident at a Pathfork, Kentucky home on Saturday evening. Upon their arrival, they discovered 50-year-old Mary Clayborn suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Authorities confirmed that Howard and Clayborn were involved in a romantic relationship.
According to Kentucky State Trooper Shane Jacobs, Clayborn was found with “multiple stab wounds” to her chest and neck when first responders arrived at the scene at 6:57 p.m. The troopers attempted to manage her bleeding until emergency medical services could take over.
According to Kentucky State Trooper Shane Jacobs, Clayborn had “multiple stab wounds” to her chest and neck when first responders arrived at 6:57 p.m. Troopers attempted to control her bleeding at the scene before emergency medical personnel arrived.
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.