Former Kentucky Officer Faces Manslaughter Charges in Fatal Shooting Case
A former Louisville Metro Police officer faces indictment on manslaughter and reckless homicide charges following a fatal shooting in Kentucky. Authorities confirm the charges relate to the death of a 27-year-old man in May. Additionally, officials continue reviewing evidence as court proceedings approach later this month. Meanwhile, the case advances under standard criminal procedures in Jefferson County.
Jefferson County prosecutors announced that a grand jury indicted former officer Nathan Stotts on second-degree manslaughter and reckless homicide charges. However, the grand jury did not return an indictment on a murder charge, according to court records. Furthermore, officials scheduled Stotts to be arraigned on June 22 in Jefferson County Circuit Court. As a result, the legal process will proceed through the state’s criminal court system.
Investigators said the incident occurred on May 30 after Louisville police responded to reports of an assault. Officers reported that 27-year-old Martin Nitzken Jr. allegedly assaulted three women before leaving the area. Subsequently, officers located him without clothing and sitting in the roadway upon arrival at the scene.
According to body-camera footage reviewed by investigators, Stotts approached Nitzken while holding his service weapon. Officers stated that Nitzken was unarmed and initially seated before he stood and moved toward the officer. Additionally, police reported that Stotts issued repeated verbal commands ordering him to stop. However, Nitzken continued advancing toward the officer.
Authorities confirmed that Stotts fired one shot after Nitzken approached his position. As a result, Nitzken sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Furthermore, investigators reviewed body-camera recordings, 911 calls, and dispatch logs during the inquiry. Meanwhile, the Louisville Metro Police Department conducted an internal review of the incident.
Police leadership later determined that the use of deadly force was not justified based on available evidence. Additionally, the department initiated termination proceedings against Stotts following its internal review. However, Stotts resigned before the process concluded. He had joined the department in 2024, according to official records.
Following the indictment, Louisville Metro Police stated that it respects the judicial process and the grand jury’s decision. Meanwhile, attorneys representing the victim’s family responded to the charges and reviewed the evidence publicly. Additionally, they referenced body-camera footage as part of their assessment of the case.
The victim’s family attorney stated that the indictment reflects accountability through the legal process. However, he added that additional charges may have been appropriate based on the evidence. Meanwhile, he raised concerns about how officials interpreted the officer’s actions during the encounter.
Under Kentucky law, second-degree manslaughter carries a sentence of five to ten years in prison. Additionally, reckless homicide carries a penalty of one to five years of imprisonment. As proceedings continue, Stotts remains scheduled for arraignment on June 22 in Jefferson County court.
