Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

One man is dead and another under arrest following a shooting incident in Ironton. John A. McKnight, 48, of 2953 Ohio 243, Ironton, was pronounced dead at the scene, and Rodney E. DeLawder, 33, of the same address, was arrested a short time later at another residence.

On Tuesday, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence call at the Ohio 243 address. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found a subject lying face down on the kitchen floor. It was discovered the body was that of John McKnight, and that he had suffered what appeared to be wounds to the upper torso from a shotgun blast. Witnesses at the scene advised the suspect, Rodney DeLawder had left the residence.

Lawrence County EMS was unable to revive McKnight, and he was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County Coroner’s Office.

Deputies were advised that an argument had ensued between family members who all live at the Ohio 243 address, and that the argument had turned violent. It was at that point that DeLawder apparently assaulted Larry J. McKnight, 46, of the same address as the others. DeLawder then reportedly obtained a shotgun and fired it. John McKnight died at the scene, and Larry McKnight was transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Ironton for treatment for injuries suffered in the assault.

Deputies discovered that DeLawder had gone to his mother’s residence at 349 Private Drive 2548, where they subsequently arrested him.

John McKnight’s body was to be taken to Franklin County, Ohio for an autopsy. Meanwhile, DeLawder is being housed in the Lawrence County Jail on a charge of murder, a felony of the first degree, and discharging a firearm into a habitation, a second degree felony.

Lawrence County Sheriff Jeff Lawless said the investigation into the shooting is in the early stages and more charges could be added as the case progresses.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com.