LONDON, KY (September 6, 2019) - Laurel County Sheriff John Root is reporting that: On Thursday, September 6, 2019 a Laurel Circuit Court jury found Joshua Tate Davenport age 40 of Corbin, Ky. guilty of the murder of his wife and tampering with physical evidence.
The victim was Stephanie Steenburgin Davenport who was found deceased in southern Laurel County with multiple gunshot wounds on March 7th, 2018.
Joshua Davenport was arrested on that day by Laurel Sheriff’s Detective Kyle Gray.
On Thursday, September 6, 2019 Joshua Tate Davenport received a sentence of:
- 35 years on the murder conviction
- 5 years for Tampering With Physical Evidence
To be served consecutively for a total of 40 years.
Photo attached is courtesy of the Laurel County Correctional Center.
Background information:
March 7, 2018
Laurel County, KY - - Laurel Sheriff's Detective Kyle Gray arrested Joshua Tate Davenport age 38 of Corbin on Wednesday afternoon March 7, 2018 at approximately 3:42 PM.
Escorting murder suspect to jail: L to R: Laurel Sheriff's Detective Kyle Gray, the accused in front middle--Joshua Tate Davenport, in the back--Detective Chris Edwards, and on the right--Detective Sgt. Kevin Berry
The arrest occurred after Laurel County detectives and deputies were dispatched to a complaint of an apparent suicide at a residence off North Florence St., approximately 10 miles south of London at approximately 12:34 PM.
Upon arrival, investigators found a deceased female with multiple gunshot wounds behind a residence there.
An investigation was conducted where it was determined that apparently the deceased female's husband had shot her following a domestic argument. A .38 caliber Rossi pistol has been recovered.
Joshua Tate Davenport was charged with murder – domestic violence and was lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.
Photo of accused is courtesy of the Laurel County Sheriff's Office.
The victim has been identified as: Stephanie Steenburgin Davenport age 38 pronounced deceased at the scene Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling. An autopsy will be conducted in Frankfort on Thursday.
Assisting at the scene for the Laurel County Sheriff's Office was: Capt. Chuck Johnson, Lieut. Greg Poynter, Sgt. Brett Reeves, Detective Sgt. Kevin Berry, Detective Chris Edwards, and Deputy Bryon Lawson.
