On October 8, 2023 at approximately 11:00 PM, Russell Springs Police Department Officers Mason Miniard and Brandon Bullock responded to a call of a stabbing. Once on scene, Officer Miniard made contact with the victim, Ronald Draper. Mr. Draper had been stabbed in the eye, back of the head and in the back of his neck. Mr. Draper advised that the suspect had left, that he lived next door. Officer Miniard made contact with Joseph Shoaf, who advised he was the suspect. Mr. Draper was transported to the Russell County Hospital by Russell County EMS, where he was then airlifted to Lexington.
Joseph Shoaf, 35, of Russell Springs was taken into custody and charged with the following: Attempted Murder and Trafficking in Marijuana (8 oz to < 5 lbs.) 1st Offense.
Mr. Shoaf was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.
