New details emerge in Clay County murder case

MANCHESTER, Ky. (WKYT) - Kentucky State Police are investigating a murder after a man’s body was found in the remains of a barn that burned in a fire.

Police say 40-year-old Nathaniel Carter, of McKee in Jackson County, was found dead in a barn along Kentucky 577 after firefighters extinguished the blaze. That’s in the Sexton Creek community. The Burning Springs Fire Department responded to the fire.

Investigators cite evidence against suspect

According to a police citation, Carter was shot in the back of the head. Police say 28-year-old Dalton Bowling is responsible for Carter’s death.

“After they extinguished the fire, they located the body inside the barn with an apparent gunshot sound,” Trooper Corey Jones, Kentucky State Police, said.

The citation states Bowling made contradictory statements to police, was found with blood on his pants, and that witnesses told investigators Bowling was last seen with the victim.

“We don’t know why this tragedy occurred, just that it did occur and our detectives feel there’s enough evidence there and Mr. Bowling is charged with murder,” Jones said.

Court proceedings underway

Bowling pleaded not guilty to the charges in Clay County District Court Monday. He is scheduled to return to court next Monday for a preliminary hearing.

Bowling remains in the Clay County Detention Center under no bond.