A man is dead after an altercation in an Eastern Kentucky courthouse.

A man is dead after an altercation in an Eastern Kentucky courthouse. According to Bell County officials 25 year old Erik Barnett passed away from a self inflicted gunshot wound yesterday morning. Barnett was being escorted from the courtroom by a bailiff, who he then attacked, took his service pistol and shot himself. Officials are questioning why Barnett was not cuffed, since it is a standard procedure. Barnett was a father of four, and another child is on the way.