From WRIL The Big One -
Thursday night September 14, 2023, at around 10:30pm, Kentucky State Police received a call of a gunshot victim and a victim with stab wounds near a Fields Street residence in Cumberland, Ky. Upon arrival, KSP Trooper Aaron Caldwell states in his citation that he came in contact with Michael Foutch, who had sustained severe stab wounds to his body.
Foutch told the trooper that a man identified as Robert Napier had come to his home and he (Foutch) attacked Napier with a baseball bat. The two men then began fighting on the couch and during this time Napier began stabbing Foutch several times. This is when Foutch heard gunshots and then fled the scene to wait for law enforcement.
During the investigation, Trooper Caldwell along with Detective Kevin Howard conducted a canvas of the area. The troopers viewed a video recording of the front yard of the residence where the incident took place. The video showed Robert Napier, and his mother Earlene Napier of Harlan, exiting a vehicle and walking toward the residence. A short time later, Earlene returns back to the vehicle alone, opens the door, and then takes a few steps toward the residence. There are then two flashes of light appearing to be the flash of gunshot. Earlene is then seen in the video walking to the residence.
Found at the scene by the troopers were two bullet holes in the front door that traveled inside the home. One of the holes found in the wall was consistent with the path of a bullet hole in the door. The other bullet struck Robert Napier in his arm. Inside the home at the time of the incident two children were present.
Earlene Napier was arrested without incident lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center and charged with Wanton Endangerment – 1st degree. She was later released on a $30,000 property bond.
Michael Foutch was transported to UK Hospital and is in serious condition.
Robert Napier was also taken to UK for treatment of his injury, released, and then arrested on two outstanding warrants. He has also been charged with assault - 1st degree, and burglary - 1st degree in regard to the Cumberland incident. He is lodged in the
Fayette County Detention Center.
Kentucky State Police tell us Michael Foutch is not being charged in this incident.