Pathfork, Ky. Man Charged With Murder After Domestic Violence Knife Attack

From WRIL The Big One -

Michael Howard - HCDC

As we previously reported, at approximatley 7:00pm Saturday night April 25, 2026, Kentucky State Police and Harlan County Sheriff's Department responded to a reported domestic violence incident involving a knife.

Once on scene, Troopers and Deputies made contact with a family member of the suspected attacker who stated both individuals were inside the home. According to the citation, KSP troopers entered the home and were met by the suspect who is also the boyfriend of the victim, 36-year-old Michael Howard of Pathfork. He was detained and placed in a KSP cruiser.

Shortly afterward a trooper found 50-year-old Mary Clayborn sitting in a chair suffering serious life-threatening knife wounds. Troopers provided immediate medical aid to Clayborn in an effort to control bleeding until EMS personnel arrived.

Initially, first responders had planned to fly Clyborn out, but she was taken to Harlan ARH hospital where she succumbed to her injuries. Harlan County Coroner John Derrick Noe pronounced Mary Clayborn deceased at 9:21pm.

Michael Howard was arrested and later lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center charged with Murder. He was also charged with outstanding separate traffic violations and failure to appear offenses.

KSP Detective Chelsea Hanson is in charge of the investigation.