Three deaths from domestic violence reported in July

By Rupert Howell
Last week’s edition reported erroneously that two domestic violence deaths within a two-week span in July. That number should have been three.
Mason Scallions is charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death of his father, Ronnie Scallions, but the incident that occurred late on Saturday, July 30 is under extensive investigation by Panola County sheriff department investigators, according to Sheriff Dennis Darby.
The two other domestic deaths involved shooting incidents between estranged partners.
Darby said Monday that although the department had enough evidence to charge Mason Scallions, some statements did not add up.
The incident occurred in the parking lot of the family owned restaurant, The Pier, located next to Sardis Lower Lake Fire Department on Highway 35 north of Batesville.
Panola County SO investigator Terry Smith said the elder Scallions was stabbed during the incident and drove a short distance before wrecking. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
He was buried Thursday and his son turned himself in later that night according to published reports.
Sheriff Darby stated the suspect has acquired attorney Ben Horan as defense lawyer with Investigator Smith and Darby predicting the attorney will ask to lower the $300,000 bond in today’s session of Justice Court in Sardis.