At around 4:00 pm on January 10, 2008, two hospital maintenance workers were traveling down the Hal Rogers Parkway in Perry County, Ky when they spotted a white 1994 Chrysler on the shoulder of the road near Exit 56. The hood of the car was propped up so they assumed there was car trouble and pulled over to offer their assistance. What they found was 76-year-old Marion Estep, partially slumped out of his car. He had been shot once in the head and three times in the chest, yet he was still clinging to life. He was transported to the ARH Hospital where he passed away later.
Police stated there was evidence of a struggle inside the car, and that Marion had been killed with his own gun; which they found beneath him. His license and other personal items were found in the floorboard of the car, and according to the family, his Bible was the only thing missing.
Marion had a habit of picking up hitch-hikers, which his family had warned him against on numerous occasions; but Marion saw it as an opportunity to show people kindness. His family believes that whoever his murderer was, they obviously didn’t know him; because if they did, they would have known that he would have been more than willing to give them money. They just needed to ask.
At 2:30 pm, Marion was in the Chavies community visiting with one of his sons. He left with the intention of heading back home, which was in Jackson, Ky. For some reason, he turned right instead of left and headed back into Hazard.
Did he pick up his murderer on 28? Or was he headed home when he stopped and picked up someone along Highway 15? Either way, someone he stopped to help betrayed him in the very worst of ways.
Police have received tips and have looked into leads, but still have not been able to make any arrests. If you saw Marions’ car that day or think you may have any information please contact the Kentucky State Police at 606-435-6069 or the Hazard Police Department at 606-436-2222.
Legacy
HPD Cold Cases
WYMT
01/26/2021 – no updates available
