(PADUCAH, Ky.) — A 38-year-old man is in custody after allegedly shooting and killing a woman at a Paducah nightclub early Friday morning, police said.
Phillip S. Whitnel was arrested in Illinois hours after the deadly shooting at KC’s Bar and Grill in the 3500 block of Park Plaza Drive, according to the Paducah Police Department.
Officers responded to the nightclub at approximately 3:14 a.m. after receiving reports of gunshots. Witnesses told police that a man, later identified as Whitnel, entered the establishment and shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the scene.
The victim was identified by McCracken County Coroner Amanda Melton as Stephanie Stacey Whitnel, 31, of Paducah. She was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police confirmed she was the only person physically injured in the incident.
Detectives learned that Phillip Whitnel and the victim had been in a previous relationship. Based on evidence gathered at the scene and witness statements, investigators obtained a murder warrant for Whitnel.
As the investigation unfolded, detectives tracked Whitnel across state lines into Illinois. Illinois State Police located him driving in Franklin County and conducted a traffic stop, taking him into custody without incident on the outstanding warrant.
Whitnel is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail in Illinois, awaiting extradition back to Kentucky. He faces a charge of murder in connection with domestic violence.
The investigation remains active, and police said additional information may be released as it becomes available.
The Paducah Police Department thanked the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department and Illinois State Police for their assistance in the case.
