We told you last week about the tragic circumstances in Lexington, where the ex-fiance of a well-known Kentucky politico was murdered. The whole thing is rather baroque. Steve Nunn, a former legislator and one-time gubernatorial candidate, had a history of violence toward Amanda Ross, including one incident where after beating her he threw a glass of bourbon in her face. He is 57; she was 29. Ross, a state employee, got a restraining order against him, and to her credit had it enforced.
After her body was discovered in the parking lot of her condo — and given the outstanding restraining order — police went looking for Nunn. In an indication of how well law enforcement knew Nunn and his family, they went to the family home several counties away then to the cemetery where his father, a former governor, and mother are buried. They found mementos placed on his parents’ graves and a holster on the ground, according to local news reports. Nunn was nearby, alive, but his wrists were slit, and he apparently fired a gun as law enforcement officers approached him.
Nunn wasn’t immediately charged with the murder, but for violation of the restraining order for possession of the gun and for firing it as officers approached. After spending the weekend in the hospital, Nunn was charged with Ross’ murder.
His former wife of 10 years, from whom he was divorced three years ago, says Nunn had spiraled downward following the death of his father in 2004 and their divorce, the Lexington newspaper reports. After Nunn’s arrest, she asked him why he didn’t tell someone of his increasing despair. “I couldn’t,” she said he replied.
David Kurtz
David Kurtz is Managing Editor and Washington Bureau Chief of Talking Points Memo where he oversees the news operations of TPM and its sister sites.