Man Gets Arrested After Graphic Halloween Display Depicts Local Government Officials

A Kentucky homeowner was arrested over the weekend after creating a Halloween display that depicted local officials in body bags, leading authorities to charge him with making terroristic threats, as reported by The New York Post.

Stephan Marcum, 58, was taken into custody Saturday in Stanton, a town located about 45 miles southeast of Lexington, after refusing to remove the display or speak with responding officers, according to police records obtained by Lex18.

The display featured five effigies with labels identifying them as local officials, including Stanton Mayor Willie Means, County Attorney Robert King, Zoning Manager Ann Snowden, 39th District Judge Gary Salyers, and the mayor’s sister.

One of the figures reportedly hung from a noose with a sign reading “district judge,” according to the arrest citation.

Authorities said the exhibit appeared to target the same local figures Marcum criticized in recent online posts.

Just days before his arrest, he posted an angry message on social media expressing frustration with local leadership after learning in court that he had “violated a number of City Ordinances” related to his property.

Powell County Judge Executive Eddie Barnes, who was not among the officials referenced in the display, told WKYT that he has known Marcum for years and described the incident as an inappropriate expression of anger. “This is something you just don’t see every day,” Barnes said.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Police confirmed that Marcum refused to take down the display when contacted by officers, leading to his arrest on one count of third-degree terroristic threatening. He was later booked into the Powell County Detention Center.

Legal experts said the case raises questions about the limits of free speech when it comes to threatening or violent imagery.

Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, told WKYT that while First Amendment protections cover many forms of expression, they do not extend to direct or implied threats.

“If you’re actively threatening someone in a terrorizing way, that may not be covered by the general right to free expression,” Voss said.

Police say Stephan Marcum hung “body bags” labeled with names of local officials — even a “district judge” effigy.
Was it dark humor or a threat gone too far? ️#TheQuietWitnessTV #TrueCrime #Kentucky #HalloweenHorror pic.twitter.com/iMXTkh2Adj

— Quiet Witness (@QuietWitnessTV1) October 7, 2025

Voss noted that heightened sensitivity toward violent imagery has increased in recent months, particularly following high-profile acts of political violence such as the Charlie Kirk assassination.

“We’re seeing a little bit less tolerance for violent communication or violent imagery because there seems to be a greater risk people will enact it or carry it out,” he added.

Marcum remains under investigation. Police have not said whether additional charges could be filed.

The opinions expressed by contributors and/or content partners are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of LifeZette. Contact us for guidelines on submitting your own commentary.