Elizabethtown, KY – A tragic and deeply disturbing crime has rattled the community of Elizabethtown, where authorities say a local couple violently threw their 62-year-old neighbor, Bobby Pennington, off a second-story balcony, causing fatal injuries. The incident unfolded on November 13 at the Sugar Mill Apartments, according to officials.
Couple Charged With Murder After Deadly Fall
The alleged attackers, Shawn Durbin (39) and Nancy Durbin (36), are now facing murder charges, as confirmed by Hardin County jail records.
In addition to the murder charge, Shawn Durbin faces two additional counts: resisting arrest and third-degree assault on a police officer.
Altercation Inside Apartment Turns Deadly
At the time of the incident, Pennington was inside the Durbins’ apartment. Investigators have not yet revealed why he was there or what triggered the confrontation.
Authorities reported that an altercation broke out, and during the dispute, the Durbins allegedly lifted and threw Pennington over their approximately 12-foot-high balcony. A metal railing surrounds the upper-level outdoor walkway where the incident occurred.
Witness Reported Seeing the Attack
Police were dispatched to the complex on the 100 block of East Memorial Drive after receiving reports of a man in cardiac arrest. Upon arrival, officers found a woman administering CPR to Pennington, who had suffered severe trauma.
The witness reportedly told officers that she saw the couple toss Pennington off the balcony, confirming the brutality of the act.
Victim’s Injuries Reveal Severity of the Assault
Pennington was immediately transported to Baptist Health Hospital, where medical X-rays revealed he had suffered a broken neck, multiple fractured ribs, and other trauma consistent with a significant fall.
Initially, the couple was charged with assault, but when Pennington succumbed to his injuries, those charges were promptly escalated to murder.
Police Condemn the Crime as “Despicable”
The Elizabethtown Police Department has openly condemned the act. Department spokesperson Chris Denham expressed disbelief and anger over the senseless nature of the killing.
“It’s disgusting. It’s despicable. All indications are that he did nothing to deserve this,” Denham stated.
He added that the suspects showed “absolutely no ownership” of their actions and had denied involvement, despite investigative findings. According to Denham, every indication suggests Pennington was a quiet, non-confrontational neighbor who never bothered anyone.
“Best reports we have are that Mr. Pennington didn’t bother anyone and was thrown from almost a 12-foot balcony, ending his life,” Denham said.
Suspects Await Court Appearance
Both Shawn and Nancy Durbin remain held at the Hardin County Detention Center, where they are awaiting their court appearances scheduled for next month.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to piece together the motive and circumstances leading up to the fatal confrontation.
This shocking incident raises serious questions about community safety, violent confrontations, and the escalation of neighbor disputes.
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