A man in Kentucky has been arrested after he fatally shot his estranged wife amid their ongoing divorce.
Phillip Whitnel has been charged with murder relating to domestic violence and violation of a Kentucky emergency protective order or domestic violence order, according to McCracken County jail records viewed by Us Weekly.
Whitnel’s estranged wife, Stephanie Stacey, was at KC’s Bar and Grill in Paducah when the incident occurred on December 13, 2025, according to a press release from the Paducah Police Department.
Witnesses told police that a man — who was later identified as Whitnel — entered the establishment “and shot the victim multiple times before fleeing the area.” Stacey was brought to an area hospital after the shooting, where she was later pronounced dead.
Police added that “detectives learned that Whitnel and the victim had previously been in a relationship.” Meanwhile, WPSD reported that Whitnel, 38, and Stacey were married at the time of the incident, though were in the process of getting divorced. It is not currently clear why they separated.
It was also reported that Stacey was working at KC’s Bar and Grill when she was shot.
After an investigation was launched into the shooting, detectives obtained a warrant charging Whitnel with murder. However, they learned he had fled to Illinois, and they had to track him down. Illinois State Police later pulled his vehicle over and he was arrested.
Whitnel was booked into the Franklin County Jail in Illinois until Wednesday, March 4. He was then extradited back to McCracken County, Kentucky, where he was served with an indictment. He is next scheduled to appear in court on March 12 regarding the charges.
It is not currently clear if Whitnel has entered a plea or retained legal representation following his arrest. The Paducah Police Department did not immediately respond to Us Weekly’s request for comment.
Stacey’s obituary states that she “leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and infectious enthusiasm that touched the hearts of all who knew her.”
After highlighting her education, the obituary said that she “thrived in the restaurant and hospitality industry, endearing herself to colleagues and guests alike through her kind-hearted spirit, steadfast dedication, and an admirable work ethic that never faltered.”
“She was a ray of light in every establishment she graced, and her warm demeanor made her a favorite among patrons and peers,” the obituary continued.
The obituary went on to state that Stacey’s “most profound and cherished role was that of a mother. Her children were the center of her universe, and she embraced motherhood with an exceptional blend of tenderness, strength, and grace. Stephanie’s children knew an unwavering love and the joy of having a mother who put their well-being and happiness at the forefront of everything she did.”
“Stephanie took after her father and became a lifelong fan of the Tennessee Vols and St. Louis Cardinals baseball. Her passion for her teams was paralleled only by her love for the people around her,” the obituary continued. “Stephanie’s ability to connect with everyone she met was remarkable — she never met a stranger, treated everyone with the same respect, and her caring nature was as reliable as it was profound.”
