BIG OTTER MAN SHOT BY NEIGHBOR - Family Feud May Have Led To Incident

(04/17/2003)
Authorities are investigating a shooting at Big Otter, Clay County, Wednesday evening, according to the Clay Communicator. Early reports indicate a conflict erupted between neighbors, with Elvis Dawson reportedly shooting his nearby neighbor David Starcher in the shoulder.

Sources indicate Starcher may have bolted over a fence belonging to Dawson, reportedly wielding a knife and shouting "I'm going to kill you!" after which Dawson went back into his house to obtain a gun, shooting Starcher.

The Clay Communicator indicated the bleeding Starcher then returned to his house and acquired a weapon, which was reportedly wrestled from him.

Records show a feud has existed between the two parties, including a gunshot incident a few months ago.

Dawson has signs posted in his yard deriding "Mary Starcher," mother of the victim.

The dwellings are located a few minutes from the Big Otter I-79 exchange, south of Route 16.