Jessamine man dies in New Year’s Day shooting

Published 11:07 am Thursday, January 9, 2020

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A day of arguing between mother and son left the son dead on New Year’s Day.

James Davis, 30, died around midnight Jan. 1, after being shot once in the head at the home he shared with his parents, according to the Jessamine County Sheriff’s Office.

“The preliminary autopsy report confirmed the cause of death as the gunshot wound,” Lt. Anthony Purcell of the Jessamine County Sheriff’s office said. The full report, though, has not been released yet.

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In the meantime, detectives continue to conduct interviews and investigate the incident, Purcell said. Davis’ mother, Molly Johnson, said the shooting was self-defense, Purcell said, and there was nothing obvious at this point to say otherwise.

No charges have been filed at this point, but the possibility has not been ruled out.

“What we’re looking at is (the case) going to the grand jury so they can decide if there is enough evidence,” Purcell said.

Purcell said deputies found Davis in the kitchen of the residence on Mackey Pike Wednesday night. He was transported to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington in critical condition, but he succumbed to his injury at the hospital.

“Mrs. Johnson said she and her son had been arguing throughout the day,” Purcell said.

Purcell said there is a history of domestic situations and domestic disturbances among the family, he said, Johnson had obtained emergency protection orders in the past

Purcell said deputies were called to the residence around 7:50 p.m. Jan. 1 after Johnson called 911 to report the incident. When they arrived, they found Davis in the kitchen with a single gunshot wound to the head. A search of the home found a .38 revolver, which was used in the incident.

Purcell said there were no indications alcohol or other substances were involved for Johnson’s part; the autopsy would determine whether any substances were in Davis’ system at the time.

About Fred Petke

Fred Petke is a reporter for The Winchester Sun, the Jessamine Journal and the State Journal. His beats include cops, courts, fire, public records, city and county government and other news. To contact Fred, email fred.petke@bluegrassnewsmedia.com or call 859-759-0051.

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