MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. – The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office mailed a request for a governor’s warrant Tuesday to expedite the extradition process for shooting suspect Phillip Whitnel.
Whitnel was charged with murder (domestic violence) after 31-year-old Stephanie Stacey was shot and killed on Dec. 13 inside KC’S Bar and Grill. He allegedly fled the scene only to be arrested during a traffic stop in Franklin County, Illinois.
Whitnel was lodged in the county jail and chose not to waive extradition during a hearing at the Franklin County Courthouse on Monday. Due to this decision, a formal extradition hearing is required before he can be transported to McCracken County, Kentucky, for court proceedings.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Donna Dixon said the process of getting a governor’s warrant could take some time, though they’re trying to speed things up given the nature of the offense.
“It can take a month or more,” Dixon said. “There is really no way to tell.”
The governor’s warrant, if issued, will allow for the extradition hearing to officially be set. If the court approves extradition, the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office will transport Whitnel back to Kentucky.
Dixon said she’s not sure if Whitnel has legal representation already, but if he requires a public defender, he’ll have to wait until he gets to court in Kentucky.
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