October 23, 2024 6:55 a.m. 

Deputies with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Monday in Scottsburg.

Lieutenant Brad O’Dell said at approximately 12:00 p.m., deputies were responding to a reported criminal mischief and assault incident in the 5000 block of Lutsinger Creek Road.

O’Dell said while deputies were responding, dispatchers received additional calls from residents in the area reporting that the situation was escalating and that gunshots had been heard.

When deputies arrived, they located 58-year-old Darrel Dow Dodd unconscious with an apparent gunshot wound. Deputies attempted lifesaving efforts, which were unsuccessful.

O’Dell said detectives from DCSO, and the Douglas County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene.

O’Dell said through the investigation, it was learned that Dodd was armed with a weapon, had broken into a residence and began assaulting and strangling a female known to him while threatening to stab her. Another individual attempted to intervene, but Dodd continued his attack. Dodd was shot twice by a third individual.

O’Dell said detectives are currently investigating the incident as a case of justified defense of another person, based upon the evidence and circumstances of the incident, although the investigation is ongoing. O’Dell said once the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office for review.