Harlan County man charged with murder after stabbing girlfriend, police say

PATHFORK, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatal stabbing in Harlan County.

According to KSP Post 10, troopers responded to a home located at 6063 Kentucky State Highway 72 in the Pathfork community to reports of a stabbing on Saturday evening.

When troopers and emergency services arrived, they located a woman who had multiple suspected stab wounds.

KSP says its preliminary investigation indicates that 36-year-old Michael Howard, of Pathfork, stabbed his 50-year-old girlfriend, Mary Clayborn, in the chest and neck, according to a release.

According to the release, Clayborn received immediate medical assistance and was transported to Harlan ARH Hospital for treatment, where she later died.

Authorities say Howard cooperated with law enforcement and was taken into custody without incident.

Howard is charged with murder. He was lodged at the Harlan County Detention Center

The investigation is ongoing.