Pulaski County, Kentucky — A chilling 911 call led deputies to a rural Kentucky home where they discovered a 70-year-old woman dead from multiple gunshot wounds, authorities said. Investigators now allege that her home had been targeted, while three people face murder charges in connection with her death.
The case began shortly after midnight on August 12, when deputies with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office went to a residence on Lower Line Creek Road in Pulaski County for a welfare check. The rural community is roughly 2½ hours from Louisville.
According to authorities, someone had contacted 911, but the call apparently remained open. During the call, two individuals could reportedly be heard speaking.
One voice allegedly said, “We should not have killed her, let’s get out of here.” That statement became a critical clue as deputies arrived at the residence.
Deputies Discover Woman Dead Inside Home
When deputies entered the property, they found Sherri Mitko dead inside the home. A preliminary report determined that she had suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
The sheriff’s office initially said detectives were pursuing several leads and had identified people of interest. Within days, authorities announced murder charges against two teenagers, followed by charges against 20-year-old McCoy Chaney.
Chaney has been charged with murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary. He was booked into the Pulaski County Detention Center and was being held on a $1.5 million bond.
He is scheduled to appear in court on August 24.
Teen Suspect Allegedly Describes Home Invasion
One of the teenagers, a 15-year-old boy, reportedly confessed to investigators that he and a 17-year-old entered Mitko’s home and robbed it.
According to a local television station, the teenager allegedly told investigators that Chaney drove them to the residence and that the 17-year-old fired the shots that killed Mitko.
The suspects apparently left the area with approximately $240 and alcohol, according to the report. Investigators are still working to establish exactly what happened inside the home and the role each suspect allegedly played.
Chaney Says He Did Not Know About the Plan
Chaney has offered a different account of his involvement.
He reportedly told investigators that he believed he was simply taking the teenagers to a friend’s house so they could retrieve something they had previously left there.
Chaney said he eventually heard gunshots and realized that something was wrong. He also claimed that he wanted to leave but had been threatened by the teenagers.
According to his account, they allegedly warned him that they would find and hurt him if he left or told anyone what had happened. Chaney said the teenagers later returned to his vehicle and demanded that he drive away.
Authorities will ultimately have to determine how those claims fit with the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Sheriff Says Woman’s Home Was ‘Targeted’
Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones said investigators believe Mitko’s home was “targeted,” although authorities have not publicly explained why she may have been singled out.
The sheriff also said that at least some of the suspects had previously been to the residence, adding another element investigators are examining as they build their case.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged home invasion, robbery and shooting remain under investigation.
Community Remembers Sherri Mitko
Beyond the criminal investigation, Mitko’s death has left behind a picture of a woman remembered for her creativity and generosity.
Her obituary states that she enjoyed making things for friends and family, including wedding dresses and baked goods, while also being known for offering encouragement and advice.
Mitko also worked as a substitute teacher, according to her obituary.
The murder charges against Chaney and the two teenagers are allegations, and all defendants are entitled to due process as the case moves through court.
What do you think investigators should focus on next as they work to determine exactly what happened inside Mitko’s home? Share your thoughts in the comments.
