Prosecutors say shooting outside strip club was not self defense

12/21/2012 11:17:47 PM

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A murder suspect claims it was self defense when he shot and killed a man outside a Shively strip club last week.

But prosecutors tell a different story.

The Commonwealth's Attorney Office says 29-year-old Tony Whitfield is dangerous, and that he intentionally killed 37-year-old Terrance Smith early Dec. 13.

Shively police say they found Smith dead in the parking lot of the Doll House Gentleman's Club on Seventh Street Road around 2 a.m. He had been shot in the head.

"There is surveillance video that shows that this may actually not have been self defense," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Leland Hulbert. "There were also six shots fired, not just one, and two of those shots hit the building. So he is very dangerous. Whether or not he had a permit to carry this gun we're not disputing."

Whitfield is charged with one count of murder.

His attorneys argue Whitfield is a Ford employee with deep ties to the community and not a flight risk, but the judge set Whitfield's bond at $50,000 full cash or $100,000 property.

If he posts bond, Whitfield will remain on home incarceration.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/20372337/prose…