A worker was hit with a shovel while trying to stop an attack on another shopper, police said.
MURRAY, Ky. — Store employees were restraining a woman accused of stabbing another shopper when police arrived at a Goodwill in Murray on April 21, authorities said after filing attempted murder and assault charges.
The case centers not only on the stabbing of a shopper, but also on the actions of store workers who police say stepped into a violent confrontation before officers reached the scene. Madison Hinchey, 30, of Murray, was arrested after one victim was stabbed, a second was assaulted with a shovel and the more seriously injured victim was flown to a regional medical facility. Police have not released the names of either victim.
Officers were called to the Goodwill on North 12th Street at about 1:36 p.m. for a reported stabbing. When they arrived, police said, they found two injured people and employees struggling to restrain Hinchey. Investigators said Hinchey had chased a woman through the store with a large knife before the attack moved to the loading dock area. There, police said, Hinchey stabbed the woman once in the chest and bit her.
The second injury happened when a store employee tried to intervene, according to police. The worker attempted to de-escalate the attack, but Hinchey struck the employee with a metal snow shovel, authorities said. Police have not said where the shovel came from, whether it was store merchandise or equipment, or how badly the employee was hurt. The employee’s name has not been made public.
By the time officers entered the store, the immediate danger appeared to have been slowed by workers on scene. Police said employees were wrestling with Hinchey when officers arrived. The account suggests the first physical response came from staff members before law enforcement took custody of the suspect. Officials have not said how many employees were involved or whether any of them gave public statements after the incident.
The injured shopper was airlifted for treatment after the chest wound, a step that pointed to the seriousness of the injury. Authorities have not released her condition, and no hospital update has been made public. Police also have not said whether the bite caused a separate injury or whether the stabbing victim required surgery. The limited medical information has kept the public record focused on the charges and the scene rather than a detailed recovery timeline.
Hinchey was charged with attempted murder, second-degree assault and fourth-degree assault. The attempted murder count is connected to the alleged knife attack on the shopper, while the assault counts reflect the alleged injuries to the shopper and employee. Police said Hinchey made a statement after her arrest that the victim “got what she came for.” Authorities have not said whether investigators view the statement as evidence of motive, anger or a prior dispute.
The Goodwill location sits along a commercial corridor in Murray, a college town and the seat of Calloway County. The store’s public shopping area and back loading dock became part of the police narrative because the chase allegedly moved from customer space into a work area. Investigators have not released a floor plan, video or full witness list. They also have not said whether the attack began near the entrance, an aisle, a checkout area or another part of the store.
Several agencies assisted after the call, according to local reports. The response included ambulance service, fire personnel, AirEvac and sheriff’s deputies. Those details show the incident quickly moved from a retail disturbance to a major emergency response. Police have not reported injuries to officers, and no other customer injuries have been announced. The store’s status after the incident, including how long it was closed, has not been detailed in the police account.
Hinchey was booked into the Calloway County Jail and held without bond after the arrest. Local court reporting said she was arraigned in Calloway District Court on the charges. At that early stage, the court process generally focuses on advising a defendant of charges, reviewing bond and setting future proceedings. Police and prosecutors have not announced whether the case has been presented to a grand jury or whether a preliminary hearing produced new findings.
The prosecution’s case is expected to depend on witness statements, physical evidence, medical reports and any store video that may exist. The employee intervention could become especially important because workers were present during the attack and allegedly had direct contact with Hinchey before police arrived. The defense may challenge parts of the police account, the meaning of the alleged statement or the evidence supporting intent. No defense explanation has been made public.
Much remains unknown. Police have not said whether Hinchey and the stabbing victim had a relationship, whether they argued before the chase or why Hinchey was allegedly carrying a knife in the store. Officials also have not said whether the victim was selected for a specific reason. For now, the public record describes a sudden attack, a worker’s intervention, two injured people and a suspect held in jail while the case moves through Calloway County courts.
The case remained active weeks after the April 21 call. Hinchey’s custody status, future hearing dates and any additional evidence disclosed in court are the next expected milestones.
Author note: Last updated Thursday, May 21, 2026.