A 36-year-old Kentucky man faces murder charges after police say he stabbed his 50-year-old girlfriend to death at their home in Pathfork. Michael Howard was arrested and held on $1 million cash bail at the Harlan County Detention Center. The victim, Mary Clayborn, died from multiple stab wounds despite efforts by first responders.
Kentucky State Police responded to a stabbing call at a residence in Pathfork on Saturday evening. First responders arrived at 6:57 p.m. and found Mary Clayborn suffering from multiple stab wounds to her chest and neck, according to State Trooper Shane Jacobs. Troopers worked to control her bleeding until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene. Clayborn was transported to Harlan ARH Hospital but succumbed to her injuries before she could be airlifted to a larger facility, as reported by local NBC affiliate WLEX. Her body was sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for autopsy. Police confirmed that Michael Howard, 36, and Clayborn were in a romantic relationship. Howard was arrested without incident but faces additional charges including resisting arrest, disregarding a stop sign, operating a vehicle under the influence, theft by unlawful taking, and three counts of failure to appear. He is being held on $1 million cash bond at the Harlan County Detention Center in Evarts. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 22.