Elizabethtown, Kentucky – A shocking case out of Elizabethtown has left a community stunned after police say a local couple threw their 62-year-old neighbor off a second-story balcony, leading to his death. Authorities have described the act as “despicable,” and both suspects are now facing murder charges as the investigation continues.
Incident Overview
According to the Elizabethtown Police Department, the incident occurred on Nov. 13 at the Sugar Mill Apartments on East Memorial Drive. Shawn Durbin, 39, and Nancy Durbin, 36, allegedly got into an altercation with their neighbor, Bobby Pennington, who had been inside their apartment shortly before the fatal fall. The reason for Pennington’s presence remains unclear, but investigators confirm that a confrontation escalated violently.
Police say the couple forcefully threw Pennington from their 12-foot-high second-floor balcony onto the pavement below. The balcony, enclosed by a metal railing, was shown in footage released by local media, illustrating the height from which Pennington was allegedly pushed.
Timeline of Events
Emergency calls came in reporting a man in cardiac arrest. When officers reached the 100 block of East Memorial Drive, they found a woman attempting CPR on Pennington.
She reportedly told police she witnessed the moment the suspects tossed him over the railing.
Pennington was rushed to Baptist Health hospital, where medical staff discovered a broken neck and multiple broken ribs. Initially, the Durbins were charged with assault, but after Pennington later died from his injuries, the charges were formally upgraded to murder.
Details From Police and Officials
Authorities have been outspoken about the brutality of the incident. Police spokesman Chris Denham condemned the act in strong terms.
“It’s disgusting, it’s despicable. Again, all indications are that he did nothing to deserve this,” Denham said.
He further commented on the suspects’ denial of responsibility.
“There’s absolutely no ownership; it speaks volumes to the character of them. Best reports we can come up with are that Mr. Pennington didn’t bother anyone and was thrown off of almost a 12-foot balcony and ended his life.”
The incident has deeply disturbed both investigators and residents, who are grappling with the senselessness of the violence.
Key Facts Highlighted
- Victim: Bobby Pennington, 62
- Suspects: Shawn Durbin, 39, and Nancy Durbin, 36
- Location: Sugar Mill Apartments, Elizabethtown, Kentucky
- Charges: Both charged with murder
- Additional Charges: Shawn Durbin also charged with resisting arrest and third-degree assault on a police officer
- Height of Fall: Approximately 12 feet
- Date of Incident: November 13
- Injuries: Broken neck and ribs
These details were reported by the Louisville news outlet that first covered the case.
Witness Accounts
The woman performing CPR at the scene shared what she witnessed moments before officers arrived. Her statement helped guide the initial direction of the investigation, police say. Witness information combined with hospital findings played a major role in the escalation of charges.
Neighbors in the apartment complex also expressed fear and disbelief, telling local media they never expected such violence within their community.
Additional Context
Crimes involving balcony falls are extremely rare, according to law enforcement experts. Police note that such actions—throwing a person from a height—constitute extreme force and almost always lead to life-threatening injuries.
Officials also emphasized that elderly victims, like Pennington, are at significantly higher risk of fatal trauma when subjected to falls from even relatively moderate heights.
Community advocates stress that conflicts between neighbors should never escalate to physical harm, urging the public to involve authorities or mediation services if disagreements intensify. Police departments nationwide encourage residents to report unsafe situations early to prevent tragedies.
Safety & Awareness
Authorities remind the public that in any situation involving violence, threats, or escalating arguments:
- Contact police immediately
- Avoid physical confrontation
- Seek help from building management or community services
- Document concerns for future reporting
These steps can prevent violent outcomes and potentially save lives.
Conclusion
The Durbins remain held at the Hardin County Detention Center, awaiting their court appearance next month. Meanwhile, Pennington’s death has left loved ones and neighbors searching for answers, as investigators aim to determine what led to the deadly altercation.
If you have experienced similar community safety concerns or witnessed violent disputes in your neighborhood, share your experiences in the comments below.
