In the quiet afternoon of a Tuesday in Florence, Kentucky, a burst of violence shattered the peace, claiming the life of Stephen E. Stamates, a 72-year-old male. The fatal encounter unfolded on October 24, 2023, in what authorities have described as a possible road rage incident near Ewing Boulevard and U.S. 42.
Stamates was in his vehicle when he was shot. First responders arrived at the scene to find two vehicles in the roadway and Stamates suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was quickly airlifted to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, but his injuries proved to be too severe, and he was pronounced deceased.
At the scene of the shooting, police encountered Travis Marks, a 44-year-old man from Walton. Marks was found in possession of a pistol and, according to law enforcement officials, he admitted to shooting Stamates. He was taken into custody without incident and has since been charged with murder. The ongoing investigation by the Florence Police Department's Detective Unit aims to uncover the specific events that led to the tragic and sudden death of Stephen Stamates.
Family and friends remember Stamates as a kind and gentle man. His obituary paints a picture of a man who was active in his community, holding memberships in several social and recreational clubs. He was a retiree from the Ford Motor Stamping Plant after many years of service. His sudden and violent death has left his loved ones and the community in mourning.
