Former GOP Lawmaker Steve Nunn Arrested After Fatal Shooting

Sept. 11, 2009— -- LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- State police charged a former GOP lawmaker on Friday with violating a protective order after his former girlfriend was found shot to death in downtown Lexington.

Steve Nunn, who was being treated at The Medical Center of Bowling Green for undisclosed injuries, has not been charged with the slaying, said Lt. David Jude, a spokesman for the Kentucky State Police in Frankfort. He was listed in stable condition.

"Our units are working with the Lexington Police Department to determine if there's any connection with Mr. Nunn in the homicide," Jude said.

Jude said Nunn was found Friday morning in a Barren County cemetery, about 130 miles southwest of the scene of the shooting, and transported to the Bowling Green hospital to be treated for what he described as self-inflicted injuries.

The Fayette County Coroner's Office says 29-year-old Amanda Ross was fatally shot in Lexington at 6:36 a.m. Friday. The cause of death was listed as a gunshot wound and the death was being investigated as a homicide.

Ross, an employee of the Kentucky Department of Insurance, was found shot in the parking lot outside her residence at Opera House Square Town Homes, a gated community near Lexington's First Baptist Church.

Gov. Steve Beshear issued a statement calling the shooting "an indescribable tragedy."

"A young life lost so soon is always heartbreaking," he said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Amanda Ross and all others affected by this tragedy."

Rhonda Sloan, spokeswoman for the Department of Insurance, said Ross was director of financial standards and examination.

"We are devastated by this tragic news," Sloan said. "Amanda was a treasured part of the Department of Insurance family, a dear friend and a valued employee. She was an extremely bright and talented woman with a wonderful sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family."

Nunn, son of former Republican Gov. Louie Nunn, ran unsuccessfully for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2003. He lost a bid for re-election to the state House in 2006 after 15 years as a state representative.