Sara McDaniel, 36, and Jefferey Guffey, 53, both of Glasgow, were arrested last weekend following a physical dispute at their home. McDaniel was later found dead at the Barren County Detention Center.
(BARREN COUNTY DETENTION CENTER)
GLASGOW, Ky. — A woman who died at the Barren County Detention Center Saturday was involved in a physical altercation before she went to jail.
Sara McDaniel, 36, was arrested April 24 after the Barren County Sheriff’s Office responded to her home the night before along Old Scottsville Loop 1. She was discovered deceased around 4 p.m. at Barren County Detention Center.
Deputy Tyler Maxey said he responded to an active physical domestic situation. One person was armed with a handgun, according to a citation narrative. It’s unclear who had a gun.
Deputies Zack Vance and Jason Morgan were also at the scene.
Authorities made contact with Jefferey Guffey, 53, in the yard of the residence. He was detained without incident and spoke to police.
Guffey said his girlfriend, McDaniel, had thrown an ashtray at his head. He said he hit her three times in the head in retaliation. It’s unclear what Guffey used to hit McDaniel.
Police found illegal drugs on the home’s property. A shed outside the home contained suspected methamphetamine and marijuana, according to a citation.
“When asked about the shed Guffey stated he goes in there to get away from McDaniel,” Maxey said. “Guffey quickly changed his story when asked if he was the only one who goes in the shed.”
He told police McDaniel also went into the shed on other occasions. Guffey admitted he and McDaniel had relapsed and both had used methamphetamine and marijuana.
McDaniel and Guffey were arrested and cited on similar charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, buying or possessing drug paraphernalia and fourth degree assault (no visible injury).
Kentucky State Police was notified Saturday around 4 p.m. of McDaniel’s death. An autopsy was scheduled, but it’s unclear what her cause of death was.
Guffey is scheduled to appear in court May 27 at 1 p.m.
KSP has not released additional information.
