My partner and I were the victims of a violent hate crime in May 2025 in Corbin KY at the Red Roof Inn.

We were in Corbin to go sight-seeing. I had only visited once before for work; this time we were going to visit Yahoo Falls (the tallest waterfall in KY) and see the Moonbow over Cumberland Falls. We chose Red Roof Inn because of its proximity to the highway and because it is pet friendly.

There, we were approached by and then chatted with a couple: Travis Blackwood and Amber Bingham. After some conversation everything escalated quickly: I was called a racial slur and then punched in the face by Travis Blackwood. He then started attacking my partner and I was grabbed by his girlfriend Amber Bingham, dragged to the ground and held. He then sat on top of me and punched me in the face until I was unconscious.

I suffered extensive injuries: a broken nose, a concussion, lacerations to my inner ear canal, and cracked teeth. They both fled the scene of the crime and absconded to Florida, where they then committed the same kind of crime. He was convicted there and put on probation.

It has been a tough journey to justice. 10 months later Travis Blackwood has plead GUILTY in both assault cases against him.

He was subsequently arrested for a 2nd degree felony strangulation charge in Laurel County. But he was released because the Grand Jury was unable to Indict him. The 1st time was due to the arresting officer not showing up and the second time is a mystery. No one will tell me what happened. Kind of a shady trend in Laurel (and surrounding counties).

So he walks free.

I am raising funds for my medical bills that are down to around $9,000 since May 2025. However, I am still trying to pay of my hospital visit & therapy.

If you feel it in your heart to donate. Thank You.

MY local news ran a story about my assault.

https://www.wkyt.com/2026/03/16/lexington-woman-starts-gofundme-medical-bills-after-assault-whitley-county/