Lawrence County, Alabama, September 24, 2025
News Summary
In a shocking incident in Lawrence County, Alabama, an 85-year-old man shot his 40-year-old son during a violent altercation. The altercation began inside their home and escalated outside, where the father fatally wounded his son in self-defense. The son had a history of domestic violence towards his father, leading to past legal issues. The father was airlifted to a local hospital with serious injuries, and the investigation is still ongoing, potentially heading to a grand jury.
Lawrence County, Alabama
An 85-year-old man shot and fatally wounded his 40-year-old son during a violent altercation on Monday night in the Langtown Community, Lawrence County, Alabama. The incident took place around 9 p.m. when deputies from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a domestic disturbance at the 100 block of County Road 214.
Upon arrival, deputies found the son, identified as Jeffrey Blake Darnell, dead in the front yard. The father was discovered with significant injuries believed to have been inflicted by his son during the altercation. He was subsequently airlifted to a local hospital, although his current condition is unknown.
Preliminary investigations indicate the deceased was the son of the injured man. The violent physical altercation reportedly began inside the father’s home before moving outside into the front yard. Witnesses reported that Jeffrey Darnell assaulted his father with a metal rod, which was possibly a piece of rebar. In an act of self-defense, the elderly father used a revolver to shoot his son three times. Jeffrey Darnell died from his injuries at the scene.
Authorities noted that after the shooting, the father managed to drive to a neighbor’s house to call for assistance. Following protocol, the son’s body is being sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Huntsville for an autopsy, with his identity withheld pending notification of family members.
Lawrence County Sheriff Max Sanders stated that there is a history of domestic disturbances at the residence involving the two. Previous court records reveal that Jeffrey Darnell had a history of assaulting his father and had been jailed multiple times for domestic violence. The investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing, and the case may be forwarded to a grand jury to determine if charges will be filed against the father.
Background Context
This tragic event underscores the complexities of domestic violence and self-defense situations within families. The father, owing to his age and physical condition, was likely in a vulnerable position during the incident. Domestic violence is a serious issue across the nation, often involving cycles of abuse that can escalate dangerously. The authorities continue to monitor similar situations comprehensively to protect vulnerable individuals within households.
Key Details
- Incident: 85-year-old father shoots son
- Location: Langtown Community, Lawrence County, Alabama
- Date: Monday night, around 9 p.m.
- Victim: Jeffrey Blake Darnell, age 40
- Father’s Condition: Unknown after being airlifted to the hospital
- Reason for Shooting: Self-defense during violent altercation
- Previous Incidents: History of domestic disturbances and abuse
- Investigation: Ongoing; may go before a grand jury
FAQ
What happened in Lawrence County, Alabama?
An 85-year-old man shot and fatally wounded his 40-year-old son during a violent altercation.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Monday in the Langtown Community, Lawrence County, Alabama.
What were the immediate outcomes of the incident?
Upon arrival, deputies found the son, identified as Jeffrey Blake Darnell, dead in the front yard. The father was discovered with significant injuries believed to have been inflicted by his son.
What were the circumstances leading to the shooting?
The physical altercation reportedly began inside the father’s home before moving outside into the front yard.
What type of weapon was used in the shooting?
The elderly father defended himself with a revolver, shooting his son three times.
Is there any history of domestic issues between the individuals involved?
There is a history of domestic disturbances at the residence involving the two. Previous court records indicate that Jeffrey Darnell had a history of assaulting his father.
What are the next steps in the investigation?
The investigation by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office is ongoing, and the case may be forwarded to a grand jury to determine if charges will be filed against the father.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Age of Father | 85 years old |
| Age of Son | 40 years old |
| Location | Langtown Community, Lawrence County, Alabama |
| Date and Time | Monday night at approximately 9 p.m. |
| Outcome for Father | Airlifted to a local hospital |
| Outcome for Son | Deceased at the scene |
| Weapon Used | Revolver |
| Nature of Altercation | Physical confrontation involving a metal rod |
| Historical Context | Prior incidents of domestic disturbances |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: 85-Year-Old Alabama Man Shoots Son to Death
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- WAFF: Father Shoots Kills Son in Apparent Self-Defense
- Google Search: Lawrence County Alabama news
- Rocket City Now: Lawrence County Father Injured, Son Killed in Domestic Dispute
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Assault
- ABC 33/40: Father Shoots Son in Self-Defense
- Google News: Self-Defense Domestic Violence
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
