JEFFERSON COUNTY — A 58-year-old man has been released without charge from the Jefferson County Jail, after being arrested in connection with a Wednesday stabbing death that has been deemed self-defense.

According to Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun, after reviewing the evidence relating to the stabbing death of 53-year-old Mt. Vernon resident Kevin Foulks, he declined to file formal criminal charges against George Rush.

“Mr. Rush and only the other cooperative witness in this case gave accounts which, if true, legally justify Mr. Rush’s actions based upon established legal principles of self-defense,” explained Featherstun, “Both witnesses told detectives Mr. Foulks was an acquaintance known to them who was aggressively pursuing Mr. Rush with a board he intended to use as a weapon. The physical evidence at the scene corroborates their account.”

Featherstun added that Foulks was able to speak with police but stated he was stabbed by an unknown person. No other material information was provided.

“All other potential witnesses refused to talk to police, and there is simply no evidence to put forward which would rebut the self-defense claim. I urge members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement, as the pursuit of justice in criminal depends upon the same,” he said.

According to Mt. Vernon police, they responded around 4 p.m. Wednesday to a residence in the 1000 block of Prairie in Mt. Vernon on a report of a person stabbed. Upon their arrival they located Kevin Foulks suffering a stab wound. Foulks was transported to SSM Good Samaritan Hospital but was later transferred to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana, where he later died.

Rush was later taken into custody but was ultimately released after the stabbing was deemed to have been in self-defense.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the friends and family of Mr. Foulks,” said Featherstun, “but we lack sufficient evidence to file criminal charges at this time.”