Kentucky Man Arrested for Halloween Display Showing Local Officials in Body Bags

Kentucky Man Arrested for Halloween Display Depicting Local Officials in Body Bags

A Kentucky man has been arrested after police say he created a disturbing Halloween display showing local officials in fake body bags on his front lawn.

The incident occurred in Stanton, Kentucky, a small town just outside of Lexington, where residents were shocked to see what appeared to be five bodies wrapped in trash bags and hanging from a tree in front of a private home.

Police Investigation and Arrest

According to the Stanton Police Department, the bags were each labeled with the titles of local public officials — including “District Judge,” “SIS,” “C.A.,” “Zoning Mgr,” and “Mayor.”

In an arrest citation reviewed by NBC affiliate LEX18, officers noted that the bag labeled “District Judge” also had a rope tied around its neck, further intensifying concerns about the display’s threatening nature.

When police approached 58-year-old Stephan Marcum, the homeowner responsible for the display, he allegedly refused to remove the decorations despite multiple warnings.

Marcum was then taken into custody and charged with:

• Intimidating a witness in the legal process, and

• Third-degree terroristic threatening.

Ongoing Dispute with City Officials

Authorities said Marcum had been in a long-running dispute with the City of Stanton over zoning violations and maintenance requirements related to his home’s water, sewer, and electrical services.

In September, a judge fined Marcum $250 and gave him 30 days to comply with city regulations. According to police, the Halloween display appeared shortly after that court hearing, suggesting the decorations were intended as a form of retaliation or protest.

His arraignment was postponed after the presiding judge recused himself, citing a conflict of interest because he was also overseeing Marcum’s zoning case. Marcum remains in custody on a $5,000 bond, reports local station WKYT.

Officials Respond to the Incident

Local leaders emphasized that while Halloween displays often push creative limits, depicting violence against real people crosses a legal and moral line.

“If you’re going to express yourself, don’t do it in a way that could be harmful or threatening to others,” said Powell County Judge Executive Eddie Barnes. “By seeing those hanging up and the representatives marked on them, it is somewhat alarming.”

Police said the case remains under review, and additional charges could follow if further threats are identified.

Public Reaction

Residents of Stanton expressed a mix of shock and concern over the display. Some said it went far beyond Halloween spirit, while others viewed it as a serious security threat to public officials.

The incident has reignited conversations about how far “freedom of expression” can go when the expression appears violent or intimidating.

Authorities’ Message

Local authorities are urging citizens to think carefully about how they express frustration or protest. Displays that can be interpreted as threats or targeted violence will be treated as criminal offenses, even if created under the guise of holiday decorations.