Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth has released the name of the victim from the non-fatal shooting that was reported on November 28, 2017 at the Center Christian Church parking lot on Garringer-Edgefield Rd in northwest Fayette County. The victim was identified as Lee E. Watkins, Age 25 of Butler County, Ohio.
On the evening of the incident, a witness in the area reported observing two vehicles on the church parking lot and at least two subjects outside the vehicles involved in a physical altercation. Shortly thereafter, the witness reported hearing what was believed to be the discharge of a firearm. Upon the arrival of Deputy Jordan Lovely, he located only one vehicle on the parking lot with an incoherent male, later identified as Lee E. Watkins inside the vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputy Lovely requested response from EMS and a medical helicopter while administering first aid to Watkins pending the arrival of medical personnel. The shooting suspect had left the area before Deputy Lovely arrived.
As detectives from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and BCI&I continue their investigation of the shooting, persons of interest have been identified and the motive involved in the shooting reportedly centers around a robbery or robbery attempt. The investigation of the shooting continues; however, no arrests have been made at this time.
Watkins was transported from the scene of the shooting to a trauma center in Columbus, Ohio but has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at (740)335-6170 or by contacting Det. Sgt. Jon Fausnaugh at (740)333-3504 Ext. 7
Anonymous tips may also be reported by visiting our website at www.faycoso.com and clicking the “Report a Tip” link.