Editor’s note: This story was published in January 2025. Some details may have changed since then.

This is a developing story and Queer Kentucky will bring you new information when received. 

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Bowling Green man for murdering his friend and allegedly staging a crash scene.

Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower told Queer Kentucky that Ali Fadil, 30, was taken into custody Thursday for the murder of Michael Scott Lee, 56.

At 2:59 a.m. on Dec. 22, someone reported a vehicle had crashed into a utility pole at the 11000 block of Morgantown Road. When deputies arrived, they found Lee deceased but noted his injuries were inconsistent with the crash.

According to a uniform citation, Fadil’s and Lee’s phones were found to be in the same immediate vicinity of the wreck at around 2:26 a.m. on Dec. 22, tying Fadil to the crime.

Both Lee and Fadil can be seen together in photos on Lee’s Facebook and Hightower added that the sheriff’s department has been told that the two had a friendship.

Michael Scott Lee source: Facebook

Long-time friend of Lee, Joey Upchurch, said everybody loved Lee and that he was known for always supporting the LGBTQ+ community. 

“He was very well respected in the community,” he said. “He had booths at the pride festivals sponsored by his businesses every year.”

Fadil is charged with murder and is lodged at the Warren County Regional Jail. His next hearing will be Jan 8 at 9 a.m. at the Warren County Justice Center.

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