Suspect In 'Road Rage' Shooting Says He Was Protecting His Child, Girlfriend

The case is being sent to the Kenton County Grand Jury.

Joseph Witkowicz. Photo by the Kenton County Detention Center. 

(Elsmere, Ky.) – The suspect in an Elsmere fatal shooting says he was protecting his loved ones.

Joseph Witkowicz, 25, was charged with one count of Murder last week after the shooting death of Nichole Daughtery, 35, of Covington.

The initial investigation showed that Witkowicz and Daughtery engaged in a verbal argument during a road rage incident on July 16 at the intersection of Garvey Avenue and Cross Street.

During the incident, police say Witkowicz drew a handgun and shot the victim multiple times.

On Thursday, Witkowicz appeared in a Kenton County courtroom. According to a FOX-19 report, Witkowicz’s attorney says his client was defending his child and girlfriend.

A few witnesses have come forward as investigators continue to gather information.

Witkowicz is currently held in the Kenton County Detention Center on $500,000 bond and his case is being sent to the Kenton County Grand Jury.

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