Fatal shooting in rural Missouri believed to be self-defense
BENTON CO., Mo. (KCTV) – Self-defense is believed to play a role in the fatal shooting of a man assaulting multiple individuals with a dagger near a rural Missouri amphitheater.
[Really?]
The Benton County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office says that around 3:50 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, emergency crews were called to the 3100 block of Highway MM, near the Grand Stage Amphitheater, with reports of a disturbance that involved a knife and firearms.
As law enforcement officials responded, they said additional information was received that an individual had been shot. When they arrived, they found Mark S. Lomax, 59, with a gunshot wound to his chest. He was airlifted to the University of Kansas Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The Sheriff’s Office said video footage reviewed on Friday revealed Lomax had been armed with an edged dagger as he assaulted multiple individuals. He confronted a vehicle that attempted to leave and tried to assault the driver as he stabbed the vehicle multiple times.
As the altercation continued, law enforcement officials said a woman emerged from Lomax’s home and screamed for help as she ran to a neighbor’s house. The neighbors came out as the altercation escalated and Lomax was shot.
The investigation revealed two individuals fired shots during the incident, however, only one is believed to have fired the fatal shot. Four individuals were detained for questioning.
After interviews, law enforcement officials said three individuals were released while a fourth was held on an outstanding warrant not connected to the case. Based on preliminary findings, the shooting will be evaluated under the state’s self-defense statute.
The Sheriff’s Office indicated that the investigation remains ongoing and further details will be made available as soon as they are made clear. At the completion of the investigation, all findings will be forwarded to the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office for consideration of charges.
No further information has been released.
