The Tribune

COAL GROVE — An alleged domestic dispute Tuesday evening has left one man dead from a gunshot wound, a second injured and a third in police custody.

The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at 6:10 p.m. at 2953 State Route 243 outside Coal Grove, according to Sheriff Jeff Lawless.

Upon arrival the officers found a white male face down in the kitchen with what multiple sources say appeared to be gunshot wounds. He was unresponsive and the county EMS treated him, according to Lawless.The man was pronounced dead at the scene by the county coroner’s office.

Witnesses said another person had been assaulted, the sheriff said.

“It was an argument between family members,” Lawless said.

The suspect in the shooting had fled the house before officers arrived but was arrested without incident about an hour later at a residence at 349 Private Drive 2548 outside Ironton, the sheriff said.

The deceased has been identified as John A. McKnight, 48. His brother, Larry J. McKnight, 46, was the alleged assault victim.

Rodney Delawder, 33, has been charged with the murder of John McKnight. Delawder faces charges of felony 1 murder and discharging a firearm in a habitation, which is a felony 2. Other charges are expected, Lawless said. Delawder will be arraigned in county court Friday.