GEORGETOWN, KY (Jan. 29, 2025) - Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today the man charged with the 2023 murder of Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Caleb Conley will spend the rest of his life behind bars, without the possibility of parole.
Deputy Conley, 35, was shot and killed while conducting a traffic stop on I-75 in Georgetown on May 22, 2023. Conley had served with the Scott County Sheriff’s Department for four years. He previously spent eight years in service with the U.S. Army.
On Wednesday afternoon, Steven Sheangshang, 47, pleaded guilty to 14 felony charges, resulting from two separate prosecutions in both Scott and Fayette counties. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole plus 70 years, to run concurrently.
The Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the crimes in Scott County, including the capital offense of murder of a police officer, robbery, convicted felon in possession of a handgun, and two counts of wanton endangerment. Fayette County Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird prosecuted felony assault, robbery, gun and burglary charges.
Deputy Conley is survived by his wife, Rachel, two children, and his parents, Jolene and Bill. Members of the Conley family delivered victim impact statements at the sentencing.
“Deputy Conley gave his life in service to this Commonwealth and our nation. We honor his sacrifice and stand by his family in their grief,” said Attorney General Coleman. “This case should also send a clear message: as long as I’m Attorney General our office will zealously collaborate with our law enforcement partners to ensure anyone who takes the life of a Kentucky law enforcement officer will face the maximum punishment.”
Watch Attorney General Coleman, prosecutors and law enforcement speak to media after sentencing.
Deputy Conley conducted a stop on a vehicle the Defendant was driving in Scott County which was connected to outstanding felony warrants. As Deputy Conley approached the rear bumper of the vehicle, the Defendant rolled down his window shot and killed him, all in less than 10 seconds. The Defendant fled the scene, forcefully broke into the home of Gary and Rebecca McQuain, held the couple at gunpoint and stole their vehicle. Later that same day, the Defendant shot and seriously wounded a Fayette County man and stole his vehicle before being apprehended by law enforcement.
"Kentucky’s law enforcement and prosecutorial community stand strong and united to protect the families of this Commonwealth. By vigorously prosecuting the violent crimes committed in Fayette County, we not only helped deliver justice for Scott County Deputy Caleb Conley, but also for David DiLeonardo who was shot and nearly killed by the same weapon used to kill Deputy Conley. I’m proud of this collaborative effort that put this violent criminal behind bars for life,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Baird.
Because of the seriousness of the matter, former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron took on the prosecution of the Scott County charges to pursue justice for Deputy Conley. When he entered Office in 2024, Attorney General Coleman continued the case.
“The men and women of the Scott County Sheriff’s Department continue to mourn our fallen brother, Deputy Caleb Conley,” said Scott County Sheriff Jeremy Nettles. “His example of courageous service and selfless sacrifice set a high standard that we work to meet every single day. That’s how we can honor his memory as we protect and serve this community.”
The Scott County case was investigated by Sergeant Keith Howard with the Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team. Other agencies participating in the investigation included the Lexington Police Department and the Georgetown Police Department. The Attorney General’s Criminal Chief Rewa Zakharia, Executive Director of the Special Prosecutions Division Tim Cocanougher and Assistant Attorney General Amanda Morgan prosecuted the Scott County charges. Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Office of Victims Advocacy Robyn Diez d’Aux and Victim Advocate McCall Allen provided services to Deputy Conley’s family and the McQuain family.
Commonwealth’s Attorney Kimberly Baird, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorneys Brad Bryan and Mike Malone prosecuted the Fayette County charges. Victim Advocate Kelsey Ragone provided services to the victim.
