Local man arrested in southern Illinois after woman fatally shot in Paducah

A woman was killed in a shooting incident early Saturday morning at a Paducah nightclub.

Paducah Police responded after 3 a.m. to KC’S Bar and Grill where witnesses reported a man who they identified as 38-year-old Phillip Whitnel, entered the business and shot the victim multiple times before fleeing. 

Detectives learned that Whitnel and the victim had previously been in a relationship. Based on the information gathered, detectives obtained a warrant charging Whitnel with murder.

During the investigation, Whitnel was tracked into Illinois. Illinois State Police located Whitnel driving in Franklin County and he was arrested.

The victim was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. McCracken County Coroner Amanda Melton identified the victim as 31-year-old Stephanie Stacey Whitnel of Paducah. An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday morning in Louisville.

Whitnel is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail pending extradition back to Kentucky.