Martin Nitzken Louisville KY Obituary, Death: Authorities in Louisville are investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that has led the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) chief to announce the termination process of an officer involved in the incident. The case centers on the death of 27-year-old Martin Nitzken Jr., who police say was shot and killed by Officer Nathan Stotts during a response to a reported assault.
The decision, announced by LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey, has sparked renewed public discussion about use-of-force standards, police accountability, and decision-making in rapidly evolving situations.
Chief Announces Termination Process
Chief Humphrey stated that after reviewing body camera footage, 911 calls, dispatch audio, and other preliminary information, he determined that Officer Nathan Stotts’ actions did not meet departmental standards.
“After reviewing the video, 911 calls, dispatch and other preliminary information, I’ve made the decision to begin the termination process of Nathan Stotts from the Louisville Metro Police Department,” Humphrey said.
He emphasized that police authority carries strict responsibilities and that officers are expected to adhere to training and departmental values at all times.
“The authority we are given as police officers come with high standards and demand we live to those standards,” Humphrey said. “Upholding our standards is not a choice. It’s a responsibility.”
The chief added that the actions taken in this case “do not meet our training, it is not what we teach and it does not meet our values.”
Officer Stotts had been hired in February 2024 and was assigned to LMPD’s Sixth Division. Officials confirmed he had no prior disciplinary record.
Incident Began With Assault Reports
According to LMPD Deputy Chief Ryan Bates, officers responded just before 9:30 p.m. to the 3000 block of Cromarty Way after multiple 911 calls reporting an assault.
Callers told dispatch that at least three individuals had been attacked and requested emergency medical assistance. Additional updates indicated that the suspect was running through the area without clothing.
When officers arrived, witnesses directed them toward the suspect’s location. Police then encountered a naked man, later identified as Martin Nitzken Jr., sitting in the street.
Police Say Commands Were Given Before Shooting
According to officials, Officer Stotts repeatedly instructed Nitzken to show his hands. Police say the man stood up and began walking toward the officer despite commands to stop.
Authorities stated that Nitzken continued approaching with his hands not visible, at which point Stotts fired his weapon.
Backup officers arrived shortly afterward and attempted to provide aid. Despite those efforts, Nitzken was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police confirmed that Nitzken’s girlfriend had called 911 earlier reporting that she and two friends had been assaulted. The group reportedly fled to a nearby neighbor’s home for safety.
Authorities also stated that during the chaotic sequence of events, Nitzken ran outside, removed his clothing, and damaged property, including tearing off a shutter from a residence. A neighbor attempting to intervene was reportedly injured during a confrontation.
911 Calls and Body Camera Footage Released
In released audio, Nitzken’s girlfriend described the severity of the situation, stating that one of the victims had “chunks of her hair torn out.” The footage from Officer Stotts’ body camera shows him searching the area before encountering Nitzken.
The video shows repeated commands for Nitzken to stop and show his hands. According to police, Nitzken continued advancing toward the officer before the shooting occurred.
After the shooting, the footage shows Stotts keeping his weapon trained on Nitzken and ordering him to the ground. Officials noted that more than three minutes passed before medical aid was rendered following the arrival of backup officers.
Chief Says Force Was Not Justified
Chief Humphrey said that after reviewing the evidence, he believed there were alternative options that should have been considered before deadly force was used.
“I would’ve liked to have seen something rather than deadly force being used,” Humphrey said. “This was not the right action.”
He also noted that while officers frequently face dangerous and unpredictable situations, this case did not meet the threshold where lethal force was justified under departmental standards.
“You see officers every day who encounter extremely dangerous situations and you don’t see this,” he said.
Ongoing Review and Community Attention
The incident has drawn significant attention in Louisville, where officials and community members are closely following updates in the case. The shooting remains under internal review, and additional investigations may be conducted to determine whether criminal charges or further disciplinary actions are warranted.
Law enforcement leaders have emphasized that officer-involved shootings are reviewed through multiple layers, including internal affairs and external oversight where applicable.
Case Remains Under Investigation
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to further analyze body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to reconstruct the full sequence of events.
For now, the Louisville Metro Police Department has confirmed that Officer Stotts is in the process of being terminated, marking a significant disciplinary decision in response to the incident.
The case remains active, and further updates are expected as additional findings are released.