A domestic dispute in Corbin, Kentucky ended in the death of 37-year-old Stephen Pataki. On the morning of October 13, 2016, police say an argument at the couple’s Seventh Street home escalated and Stephen threatened to kill his wife, Iulia Pataki. Authorities report Iulia retrieved a 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun and shot Stephen three times in the torso. He was taken by ambulance to a nearby football field, airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, and died of his injuries on October 14, 2016.

The Corbin Police Department, with Detective Rust Hedrick leading the investigation, interviewed Iulia, who told officers she acted in self-defense. Commonwealth’s Attorney Alan Trimble was asked to review the case to determine whether charges would be filed. Investigators also began checking for any prior domestic disturbance reports at the residence. The shooting prompted a temporary lockdown of Corbin Independent Schools while police worked the scene.

Anyone with information about the couple, the events that led to the shooting, or prior incidents at that address is asked to come forward.