BELL COUNTY, Ky. — Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Taylor addressed Bell County residents Tuesday evening during a public forum aimed at providing transparency in the high-profile case involving the 2023 death of Elena Hembree.

Taylor shared details of the case, including findings that the toddler died as a result of shaken baby syndrome. He confirmed that there was no evidence of sexual abuse and no male DNA found on her body.

“I mean, there’s some folks here that are very passionate about this, that have spent hundreds, maybe even thousands of hours advocating for this child,” Taylor said. “I’m happy that we’ve got concerned members of the community doing that sort of thing. It keeps us honest.”

Community member Justin Howard expressed appreciation for Taylor’s willingness to engage dire

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