Kentucky State Police Investigates

Shooting in Rockcastle County

MOUNT VERNON, KY. (January 7, 2024) – At approximately 09:50 hours, Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London, received a call for assistance from Rockcastle County 911 Center with a shooting incident on Little Creek Road in Rockcastle County.

 Preliminary investigation revealed that Joseph A. Dawson, 48 years of age, of Berea, KY, was having an ongoing verbal altercation with his wife Katherine Dawson and a family member of hers, Phillip Fox. Joseph was inside the residence of his wife’s and was making threats to kill her and Fox. Joseph exited the residence and was armed with a kitchen knife and a machete knife. Phillip Fox retrieved a firearm and discharged the weapon striking Mr. Dawson.  Mr. Dawson fled back to the porch of the residence where he was located, he was fatally injured and was pronounced deceased by the Rockcastle County Coroner.

 An autopsy has been scheduled at the State Medical Office. This case will be presented to the Rockcastle County Grand Jury.

 Detective Loudermilk is continuing the investigation. He was assisted by Kentucky State Police Post 11 personnel, Rockcastle County EMS, and the Rockcastle County Coroner.  This incident remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London.