NEMAH - A shooting on North Nemah Road resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man. The victim is Raymond Shotwell.
The shooting occurred in the early morning last Thursday at approximately 1:17 a.m., according to information released by Pacific County Chief Criminal Deputy Pat Matlock, who reported that the Pacific County Communications Center received a 911 call from a man who said he had "just shot his brother and that his brother was dead."
Matlock said, "The caller identified himself as Thomas Shotwell, 26, and he went on to say that he was leaving the residence located on North Nemah Road. Shotwell also said that he was leaving the gun he used to shoot his brother at the residence."
Matlock said that "several law enforcement personnel responded to the scene and upon arrival discovered a deceased adult male subject inside the residence. The subject, later identified as Raymond Shotwell, had been shot to death. A handgun was recovered at the scene and is believed to be the weapon used to shoot Raymond Shotwell."
Matlock added that "law enforcement personnel canvassed the area in an attempt to locate Thomas Shotwell. At approximately 5 a.m., Thomas Shotwell was located inside his vehicle that was parked in the Bay Center area. Deputies approached the vehicle and observed that Thomas Shotwell was in extreme medical distress. Deputies summoned for medical aid and forced entry into his locked vehicle and took him into custody to render aid without incident.
"It is believed that Thomas Shotwell may have intentionally attempted to harm himself after the incident," Matlock continued. "Thomas Shotwell was transferred to a medical facility and is in custody under guard of the Sheriff's Office.
Matlock informed that the two brothers lived together at the residence and a motive is unclear as to why the incident occurred. Law enforcement personnel processed the crime scene and will be continuing to investigate the incident. The Long Beach and Raymond police departments assisted the Pacific County Sheriff's Office with the incident along with the Pacific County Prosecutor's Office.
According to Matlock, the case is being investigated as a homicide, and the suspect is in custody.
Nemah is located along U.S. Highway 101 south of South Bend.
At press time, late Monday morning, Matlock told the Herald, "I have nothing further to comment on at this time as this is an active investigation."