MADISON, Ind. — UPDATE (11:59 a.m): The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department are leading an investigation into a shooting that occurred at the parking lot near the North Gate of Clifty Falls State Park, in Madison, on Wednesday afternoon.
Several 911 calls reporting the shooting were received by dispatchers at about 2:45 p.m. DNR Officers, sheriff deputies, and Madison Police Department officers responded and successfully apprehended a suspect.
A deceased male, Joseph Renee Lane, 47, of Carrollton, Georgia, was discovered near the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest.
The suspect, John Dean McElwaney, 33, of Tallapoosa, Georgia, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail. He faces a preliminary charge of voluntary manslaughter (level 2 felony). Before being admitted to the jail, the suspect underwent evaluation and medical clearance.
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
Original (9:44 a.m.): A person was found shot to death inside a southern Indiana state park Wednesday afternoon.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department said police responded to Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, at around 3 p.m.
The sheriff said they have a potential suspect, but it’s unknown at this time if that person is in custody.
According to Indiana DNR, the north entrance of the park from State Road 62 is closed for the investigation. The area is secure. If visiting the park, guests should use the South Gate.
