Man sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to murder of Kentucky sheriff's deputy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The man charged with killing a Scott County, Kentucky, deputy was sentenced to prison Wednesday.

A judge sentenced Steven Sheangshang to life in prison without parole after he pleaded guilty to the death of Deputy Caleb Conley.

Sheangshang waived his right to appear in court in person and had a separate sentencing hearing, according to LEX18 News.

He's accused of shooting Conley, 35, in May 2023. Police said the deputy was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 75 when Sheangshang shot him.

Conley died at the hospital.

Scott County Sheriff's Deputy Caleb Conley (Courtesy of the Scott County Sheriff's Office)

Police said Sheangshang then led officers on a manhunt through Scott County during which he held a couple at gunpoint to steal their vehicle, and later shot another man to steal his vehicle.

He was eventually arrested in Lexington and indicted for Conley's murder on charges of murdering a police officer, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, burglary, theft of an automobile, wanton endangerment and fleeing/evading police.

Conley's wife, Rachel, addressed the courtroom Wednesday, which was full of colleagues and other agencies there in support, LEX18 reported.

"Had he been sentenced to death at least he would've seen it coming, unlike Caleb," she said.

Months after the shooting, prosecutors said they wanted the death penalty if Sheangshang was convicted of Conley's death, claiming his actions were intentional.

Sheangshang apologized to the victim's family, but said there was evidence he hopes is one day brought to light.

This story may be updated.

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