police-shooting · Louisville, Kentucky

What happened after Officer Nathan Stotts fatally shot Martin Nitzken Jr.?

What happened?

LMPD Officer Nathan Stotts resigned on June 8, 2026, while facing termination for the fatal shooting of Martin Nitzken Jr. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office is reviewing the case for potential criminal charges, and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council will determine if his certification is revoked.

Discipline or policy action

Last checked: Jun 12, 2026
Sources: WHAS11 News; Citizen app; Police1

Timeline

  1. Martin Nitzken Jr. was born.

  2. Officer Nathan Stotts joined the Louisville Metro Police Department.

  3. Officer Nathan Stotts fatally shot Martin Nitzken Jr. in the Klondike neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky, at approximately 9:30 p.m. EDT.

  4. LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey initiated the termination process for Officer Nathan Stotts, stating that lethal force should not have been used.

  5. Officer Nathan Stotts resigned from the Louisville Metro Police Department while facing termination.

  6. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office continues to review the case for potential criminal charges against Officer Stotts, and the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council will determine his certification status.

Receipts