Olive Hill, Kentucky, August 13, 2025
News Summary
In Olive Hill, Kentucky, two men have been charged with attempted murder stemming from separate violent incidents just days apart. Mickie Skaggs was arrested for allegedly firing a handgun at victims during a shooting, while Christian James faces multiple charges, including attempted murder. As investigations continue, the local community is left to confront the troubling rise in violence.
Olive Hill, Kentucky – Two Men Charged with Attempted Murder in Separate Incidents
Two men from Olive Hill, Kentucky, have been charged with attempted murder in connection with separate violent incidents that occurred within days of each other. Mickie Skaggs, aged 23, was the first to be arrested after allegedly firing a handgun at victims in a shooting on Friday night, while Christian James, also 23, was arrested two days later on a range of charges, including attempted murder.
Mickie Skaggs Arrested for Shooting
The shooting incident involving Mickie Skaggs took place shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Sumac Road. Deputies from the local sheriff’s office responded to reports of gunfire in the area. Witnesses reported that Skaggs fired a handgun directly at them, with one victim indicating that a woman was holding a small child in her arms during the encounter. Skaggs was apprehended and booked into the Carter County Detention Center at 11:49 p.m.
In an arrest citation, Skaggs reportedly admitted to firing the weapon in the direction of the victims and stated that he intended to kill them. His bond was set at $500,000 cash, signaling the seriousness of the charges. A preliminary hearing regarding the case is scheduled for August 13, and as of the report, he does not yet appear on the circuit court docket for arraignment.
Christian James Arrested Days Later
Christian James was taken into custody two days after Skaggs, particularly for operating a vehicle under the influence and other related offenses. After an initial arrest by the Kentucky State Police, James faced multiple charges, including first-degree unlawful imprisonment, third-degree terroristic threatening, first-degree wanton endangerment, and attempted murder.
As with Skaggs, James has not yet appeared on the circuit court docket for arraignment at the time of this report. Details regarding the circumstances that led to his arrest have not been fully disclosed, but the nature of the charges indicates a serious situation that has drawn law enforcement attention.
Background Context of the Incidents
The altercation leading to Skaggs’ arrest reportedly started as a fight between Skaggs and his brother. The situation rapidly escalated to gunfire, showcasing a troubling trend of violence in the area. The local sheriff’s office is actively investigating both incidents to gather more information and insights into the events that transpired.
In light of these incidents, the Carter County Times is actively seeking further details from both the Kentucky State Police and the Carter County Sheriff’s Office regarding the circumstances surrounding each case. As both individuals await their hearings, local residents are left to grapple with the implications of such violence in their community.
Conclusion
The charges of attempted murder against Mickie Skaggs and Christian James highlight the urgent need for community dialogue on issues related to violence and law enforcement in Olive Hill. As investigations continue, both individuals face serious legal consequences and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
FAQ
- What are the main charges against Mickie Skaggs?
Skaggs is charged with attempted murder following a shooting incident where he allegedly fired a handgun at victims. - When did the shooting involving Mickie Skaggs occur?
The shooting occurred shortly after 9:30 p.m. on Friday night. - What charges does Christian James face?
James is charged with multiple offenses including operating a vehicle under the influence and attempted murder. - What is scheduled for Mickie Skaggs next?
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 13. - Have the men appeared in court?
No, neither man appears on the circuit court docket for arraignment as of the report.
Key Features of the Events
| Feature | Mickie Skaggs | Christian James |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 23 | 23 |
| Charges | Attempted murder | Multiple offenses including attempted murder |
| Date of Incident | Friday night | Two days after Skaggs’ incident |
| Bond | $500,000 cash | Not specified |
| Next Court Date | Preliminary hearing on August 13 | Not yet scheduled |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WSAZ: Man Charged with Attempted Murder
- Kentucky Today: Carter County Predator Sentenced
- WYMT: Severe Weather Rips Off Roof in Eastern KY
- Wikipedia: Violence in the United States
- WOWKTV: I-64 Eastbound Lanes Reopened Following Carter County Crash
- Google News: Carter County Crime

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


