BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — An Inez woman was found dead in a camper early Friday morning under perplexing circumstances. The Mountain Citizen has learned that police are investigating the death of Christina Marcum, whose unresponsive body was discovered in the 400 block of Fitch Branch Road.

Martin County Coroner Chris Todd received the call at 7:49 a.m. He pronounced Marcum dead at the scene.

Todd stated he would transport the deceased’s body to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. He could provide no further details at this time.

The Kentucky State Police Post 9 and the Martin County Coroner’s Office are investigating the death.

An unsettling incident a month ago at the same address adds to the mysterious nature of the case.

On May 31, Martin County Sheriff John Kirk sent Chief Deputy Chris Kidd to the camper to conduct a welfare check. Upon arrival, the deputy found the camper secured with padlocks outside both exit doors. Wood and metal covered the windows.

The officer discovered Marcum trapped inside with no means to communicate with the outside world.

According to the police report, Marcum stated her husband, 36-year-old Justin Marcum of Inez, imprisoned her due to his “extreme jealousy.”

Kidd arrested Justin Marcum on that date and charged him with second-degree unlawful imprisonment.

Justin Marcum appeared in Martin District Court for arraignment June 5, pleading not guilty to the charges. The court amended his bond, ordered him to have no unlawful contact with the victim, and ordered him to complete outpatient treatment through Addiction Recovery Care.

Justin Marcum’s pretrial conference is Aug. 15.

This is a developing story.