Tragedy struck Pike County and the Goshen community this morning when an episode of domestic violence turned deadly, resulting in the death of one Goshen student.

The Pike County Sheriff’s department received an emergency call at 8:04 a.m. Saturday morning and responded to reports of a shooting at 811 CR 1143.

Sheriff Russell Thomas was on the scene and shared what details he could about the case, “We received a call at 8:04 a.m. and dispatched units to 811 CR 1143 near Troy in response to reports of a shooting,” Thomas said. “It is a rural area–a mobile home located on a dirt road. When we arrived on the scene, we discovered a domestic violence situation that turned deadly.”

“There had been an argument last night between the husband and wife that carried over to the morning,” Thomas said. “This morning, the father took a 12-guage shotgun and moved to the rear of the trailer where he fatally shot his 18-year-old son. He then shot his 16-year-old son who escaped through an open window, which probably saved his life.”

“The younger son was transported to the hospital in a private vehicle,” Thomas said. “He is being treated at the hospital. He is going to be okay and survive. He was shot in the upper thigh, and some of the birdshot also hit his stomach.”

A suspect is currently in custody. “The father is in the custody of the department,” Thomas said. “The investigation is ongoing, and he will be interviewed shortly. We’ll try to find out what led up to this and what happened”

Thomas described the tragic scene awaiting officers when the arrived at the residence. “When we arrived, we found the 18-year-old face down,” Thomas said. “He had been shot fatally in the abdomen. I know both of these young men. I saw the 18-year-old play a football game last night in Sweet Water. I was around them until about 10 p.m. last night. I talked to their grandfather in my office earlier this week.”

Thomas gave his condolences to the family. “My heart, my prayers and all my sympathy go out to the family,” Thomas said. “I’ve talked to Coach Snyder. I’ve spoken with the superintendent and the principals at Goshen. We discussed what effect this will have on the students and what resources will be made available to them on Tuesday. This tragedy has touched a lot of people.”

Thomas said there had been a history of domestic violence in the household. “There was a history of domestic problems, but you never dream that it comes to this,” Thomas said. “We’re being assisted in this investigation by the District Attorney an Pike County Coroner Jerry Williams. There will be an arrest in this case. The suspect is looking at charges of murder and very possibly attempted murder.”

As of 2 p.m. Saturday, the Pike County Sheriff’s department confirmed an arrest made in the case. “We have in custody Sammy D. Jackson, age 44, being held one one count of murder and one count of attempted murder,” officer Troy Johnson said. “Jackson’s 18-year-old son, Sammy Deandre Jackson, has been confirmed as deceased. His 16-year-old son is being held for observation at Troy Regional Medical Center for a non-life threatening gunshot wound.”

The Messenger will update the story as more information is confirmed by the Pike County Sheriff’s department.