PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (LEX NEWS) — Update: Aug. 28 at 3:30 p.m.
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has charged a fifth person in connection to the murder of 70-year-old Sherri Mitko, who was found dead in her Somerset home on Lower Line Creek Road on Aug. 12 after presumably suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Four other people, including 20-year-old McCoy Chaney, have been charged in connection to Mitko's murder as of Aug. 28. The other suspects are teen boys.
Chaney remains lodged at the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $1.5 million bond.
WATCH: 5th person charged in murder of 70-year-old Pulaski County woman
Update: Aug 19 at 8:15 p.m.
A fourth person have been charged in connection to the August 12 murder of 70-year-old Sherri Mitko in Pulaski County.
According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, the teen was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with complicity to commit murder.
Two other teenagers, as well as 20-year-old McCoy Chaney, have also been charged in connection to Mitko's murder.
Update: Aug 18 at 10:37 a.m.
A criminal complaint filed in Pulaski County alleges a third suspect charged in the killing of 70-year-old Sherri Mitko admitted to driving two juvenile suspects to her home with the intention of robbing her.
Twenty-year-old McCoy Chaney was arrested Sunday and charged with murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary in connection with Mitko's death. He is being held in the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $1.5 million cash bond.
According to the arrest complaint, deputies were dispatched to Mitko's home on Lower Line Creek Road shortly after midnight on Aug. 12 after a 911 open-line call. Investigators reported hearing two unknown males speaking, including statements such as, "We should not have killed her," along with references to blood and a safe.
When deputies arrived, they found Mitko dead inside the home. The complaint states she suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head, torso and extremities.
According to court records, two juveniles previously charged in the case allegedly told investigators the group had discussed robbing Mitko for firearms before the killing. One of the juveniles allegedly confessed to participating in the robbery and home invasion that led to Mitko's death and told detectives that he and another juvenile entered the home intending to commit an armed robbery. The complaint states the juvenile said approximately $240 and alcohol were taken from the residence.
According to the arrest complaint, Chaney told investigators he drove two juveniles to Mitko's home knowing they intended to rob her. Detectives wrote that Chaney showed them where he dropped the pair off and later said he drove them away from the area after the killing.
During a search of Chaney's vehicle, investigators said they found a piece of wood bearing a footprint consistent with a footprint found on the back door of Mitko's residence.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office has previously asked anyone with information about the case to contact investigators.
Update: Aug. 17 at 8 p.m.
A third person has been arrested in connection to the August 12 murder of 70-year-old Sherri Mitko in Pulaski County, officials report.
According to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, 20-year-old McCoy Chaney has been charged with murder, first degree robbery, and first degree burglary. McCoy was booked in the Pulaski County Detention Center and remains booked on a $1.5 million bond.
"The Sheriff’s Office has worked non-stop since we were first called on the night of this homicide, and we are indebted to our partners for their help. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Ms. Mitko, and we will continue to investigate all leads in this investigation as they develop,” said Sheriff Bobby Jones.
Update: Aug. 16 at 5 p.m.
Two teenage boys have been taken into custody and are facing murder charges after they allegedly shot and killed 70-year-old Sherri Mitko, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office.
According to a press release, authorities responded to a welfare check on Lower Line Creek Road on Wednesday afternoon and discovered Mitko dead inside of her home. A preliminary investigation determined she died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Based on the evidence collected, the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office charged two teen boys with murder on Sunday. The sheriff's office reports that this was an isolated incident and there is no public safety risk at this time.
The investigation into Mitko's death remains ongoing and the sheriff's office will continue to follow up on any leads brought in. Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at (606) 678-5145. Callers may remain anonymous.
Original story:
A 70-year-old woman found dead at her home in the Lower Line Creek community is being investigated as a homicide, according to the Pulaski County Deputy Coroner.
The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office reported that at around 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, deputies responded to a reported welfare check on Lower Line Creek Road. Upon arrival, a woman, identified as Sherri Mitko, was found dead inside the home.
A preliminary report, according to officials, indicates that Mitko died from multiple gunshot wounds.
According to the deputy coroner, the woman's body was transported to Frankfort for an autopsy.
"Detectives are pursuing several leads and have identified persons of interest," the sheriff's office reported.
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at (606) 678-5145. Callers may remain anonymous.
This is a developing story. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
