CITIZEN STAFF REPORT

MOUNT VERNON  — The Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatal shooting in Mount Vernon.

KSP Post 11 in London responded to a call at approximately 9:50 a.m. Sunday reporting the shooting.

The preliminary investigation revealed that 48-year-old Joseph A. Dawson of Berea was in a heated verbal altercation with his wife, Katherine Dawson, and her family member, Phillip Fox, inside Katherine Dawson’s residence. The altercation reportedly escalated, with Joseph Dawson threatening the lives of both his wife and Fox.

Joseph Dawson emerged from the residence armed with a kitchen and a machete knife. Fox retrieved a firearm and discharged it, striking Mr. Dawson. The wounded Dawson retreated to the porch of the residence, where he was later officially pronounced dead by the Rockcastle County Coroner.

Mr. Dawson will be transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Police said the case will be presented to the Rockcastle County grand jury.

Detective Loudermilk, leading the ongoing inquiry, was supported at the scene by personnel from Kentucky State Police Post 11, Rockcastle County EMS, and the Rockcastle County Coroner’s office.

The case remains under investigation.