By Rupert Howell
One man is dead and his brother wounded in what Sheriff Department investigators say appears to be a family argument that occurred early Sunday morning on the Sardis Lake bottom near Hayes Crossing.
Robert Ernest Donahue Jr., 38, was pronounced dead at the scene by coroner Gracie Grant-Gullege who was summoned to the scene at approximately 3 a.m.
SO Investigator Barry Thompson said his department received an E-911 call from the wife of the deceased at approximately 1:30 Sunday morning.
“It was apparent that the deceased had been shot by his brother, James Donahue, 33,” according to Thompson.
Thompson, who is working the case with Investigator Edward Dickson, explained that a friend at the scene attempted to assist with subduing James Donahue at the scene and pulled his gun and shot him in the process.
It is unclear what the circumstances were that led to the gunfire.
Robert Donahue was evacuated by air ambulance to the Med in Memphis where he is being treated. Thompson wasn’t sure of his current condition.
Thompson said Monday that charges have yet to be filed in the case but he and Dixon are waiting to hear of Robert Donahue’s condition while working with the District Attorney’s office on the case.
Gullege confirmed the body had been sent to Jackson for an autopsy, the results of which investigators are awaiting.
Thompson did not want to give the name of the friend who shot the younger Donahue as the matter while the matter is under investigation.