Man charged with murder in stabbing death of his mother

MURRAY, Ky. - The 34-year-old son of a woman found stabbed to death faces murder charges.

The Murray Ledger & Times and The Paducah Sun reported the arrest on Monday of Joseph Burke of Murray, Ky. about an hour after his mother was found fatally stabbed in her apartment. Burke was arraigned Tuesday and entered a plea of not guilty.

Police Sgt. Scott Svebakken said Karen McClellan was stabbed between 45 and 50 times. During questioning, Burke told police he heard voices that told him to stab his mother.

The stabbing was reported by two friends of the victim who were in her apartment when the incident occurred.

Burke is held in the Calloway County Jail, pending a preliminary hearing on July 18.