In the community of Mount Sterling, Kentucky, Stuart Vincent Howell, known to many as 'Big Country,' was a man recognized for his perpetual smile and his readiness to lend a hand. At 44 years old, the Bourbon County native had built a life in Montgomery County filled with the things he enjoyed most: hunting, football, and country music. Above all, he was a devoted family man, frequently seen cheering on his children at their various sporting events.
On the evening of Wednesday, November
16, 2022, a dispute at a residence on Wyandot Way took a tragic turn. During the course of a heated argument, a single shot from a. 22-caliber long rifle struck Howell in the chest. Though first responders were quick to arrive and perform life-saving measures before rushing him to CHI St. Joseph Hospital, their efforts were in vain. Stuart Howell was pronounced dead upon his arrival.
The individual who fired the shot was identified at the scene, and authorities have indicated that the investigation into the circumstances of the shooting is ongoing. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with Howell's death, and the case has not yet been officially classified as a homicide, pending the results of an autopsy and toxicology tests. The community has been left to grapple with the sudden loss of a man remembered for his generous spirit and infectious humor, while the question of whether charges will be filed remains unanswered.
