Lexington True Crime: The Willy T. Foot Stabber

LEXINGTON, KY – It has been over a decade since the University of Kentucky’s William T. Young Library became the unlikely setting for a series of perplexing and unresolved assaults. Known as the “Willy T. Foot Stabber” incidents, these attacks, totaling three in number, not only caused physical harm but also left a lingering shadow of concern and unsolved mystery in the academic community.

The first two assaults occurred in the spring of 2011, within the confines of the library’s basement. Students, absorbed in their studies, were unexpectedly attacked, resulting in puncture wounds to their feet. The assailant in these incidents was described as a white male, approximately 6 feet in height, with short hair, possibly a buzz cut, and notably wearing bright orange shorts or shoes. The specificity and bizarre nature of these attacks brought a wave of unease and confusion across the campus.

Nearly a year later, in a disturbing echo of the past, a third assault was reported. This time, a female student was targeted on the second floor of the library. The description of the suspect in this third incident was markedly different, described as a heavyset man. This discrepancy in descriptions led to increased complexities in the investigation, raising questions about whether the attacks were related. Unconfirmed reports of a “second stabber” circulated on campus.

Despite thorough investigations by the University of Kentucky Police, the cases remain unsolved to this day. The lack of closure in these incidents continues to haunt the university community. Kathy Johnson, a university spokesperson, previously reiterated the commitment to solving these cases, while acknowledging the challenges posed by the limited and conflicting descriptions of the assailant(s).

The impact of these unresolved attacks on the university community has been profound. They underscore the vulnerability of public spaces, even within a reputed academic institution. The incidents prompted enhanced security measures, including safety escorts and heightened awareness campaigns at the time.

As the years have passed, the “Willy T. Foot Stabber” incidents have transformed from immediate threats to a disquieting part of the University of Kentucky’s history. They serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of crime and the ongoing challenge of ensuring safety in educational institutions. The community, though having moved forward, continues to seek closure and justice, hoping for a resolution to a chapter that has remained open for far too long, marked by uncertainty and a lingering sense of unease.

If you know the identity of the Willy T. Foot Stabber, please contact University of Kentucky Police at (859) 257-UKPD (8573)

Read more:

• The William T. Young Library Foot Stabber is still At-Large
• University of Kentucky police investigate third report of foot puncturing at library
• The legends of UK: Why campus folklore is important