CENTRAL CITY, Ky. — A Central City community is reeling after a late-night stabbing incident left one man dead and another seriously injured, leading to the arrest of a suspect now facing murder and assault charges.
According to the Central City Police Department, officers were dispatched at approximately 10:34 p.m. on August 22, 2026, to the McDonald’s located at 402 South 2nd Street following reports of a male victim who had been stabbed.
Police said John Shanks, 43, of Central City, suffered stab wounds to his head and face. He was transported by emergency medical services to Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital for treatment.
While officers were responding to the scene, investigators received information regarding a possible suspect. Officers later located a man matching the description in the parking lot of the Central Inn. The individual was identified as Wayne Browning, 39, of Drakesboro, and was detained while police investigated the incident.
During the investigation, authorities discovered that a second stabbing victim had also been involved.
Police said that around 10:30 p.m., officers with the Greenville Police Department conducted a traffic stop near Doss Drive and West Everly Brothers Boulevard involving a red Buick passenger vehicle. During the stop, officers found passenger Scotty Stewart, 48, of Central City, suffering from stab wounds.
Emergency crews responded, and Greenville officers and Muhlenberg County EMS attempted life-saving measures. Despite their efforts, Stewart was pronounced dead at the scene by the Muhlenberg County Coroner’s Office. His family was later notified of his passing.
Following the discovery, Central City Police secured the area around the Central Inn and Breakthrough Base and continued gathering evidence. Investigators interviewed witnesses, reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s room, where additional evidence was recovered.
As a result of the investigation, Wayne Browning was arrested and booked into the Muhlenberg County Detention Center. He faces charges including:
Murder
Assault in the First Degree
Authorities continue reviewing the details surrounding the violent incident as the community mourns the loss of Scotty Stewart and hopes for the recovery of John Shanks.
The Central City Police Department expressed appreciation to the agencies and emergency personnel who assisted, including the Central City Fire Department, Greenville Police Department, Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, Muhlenberg County EMS, and the Muhlenberg County Coroner’s Office.
Scotty Stewart will be remembered by his family, friends, and community members as loved ones continue to seek answers following this tragic loss.
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