Thrifting Kentucky woman confronted. Then came the knife and shovel attack: ‘got what she came for’

A routine trip to a Goodwill thrift store in Murray, Kentucky, turned violent recently when a woman became enraged and said another customer “got what she came for.”

Authorities say the incident occurred on April 21 at a Goodwill store on North 12th Street in Murray, where 30-year-old Madison Hinchey allegedly attacked another woman and an employee at the store. According to law enforcement records and witness accounts cited in court filings, Hinchey entered the store and began yelling before approaching another female shopper. Officials say she then chased the woman through aisles and toward the loading dock area.

Hinchey allegedly bit and stabbed the victim

Once in the loading dock area, investigators allege Hinchey then pulled a knife from her purse during the pursuit and stabbed the victim in the chest. Court documents also state she bit the woman during the struggle. A store employee who tried to intervene was allegedly struck with a metal snow shovel and also bitten, according to police statements and charging documents.

When officers arrived, they reported finding employees actively restraining Hinchey inside the store. The stabbing victim was airlifted to a hospital in Nashville for treatment. Officials have not released their names publicly or provided detailed medical updates beyond initial hospitalization.

Police say that after being detained, Hinchey made a remark that has drawn attention to the case. According to court records, she told officers that the victim “got what she came for” as she was taken into custody.

Investigators have not identified a clear motive and have not confirmed any known relationship between Hinchey and the victims. The Murray Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances leading up to the attack.

Police arrested Hinchey at the scene and charged her with attempted murder, second-degree assault, and fourth-degree assault. She is being held in the Calloway County Jail in Kentucky.

Court records show the case has already moved through initial proceedings and is scheduled to be reviewed by a grand jury. A preliminary hearing resulted in the case being forwarded for further prosecution, with formal arraignment proceedings set in Calloway County Circuit Court.

Hinchey: “Very polite and friendly”

The case has prompted significant online discussion, including reactions from people who say they know Hinchey personally. One comment read: “I know that young lady she works at the bank I go to. She’s always a very polite and friendly lady. This is a shocker. Not gonna say anything negative about this I’m sure there’s more to the story.” Another person, claiming to know Hinchey, added, “I agree with you. She’s [a] sweet and very patient lady.”