Fatal Shooting in Knottsville Under Investigation

A shooting near Knottsville, Kentucky, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, left one 19-year-old male dead and a juvenile injured, according to the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO). The incident occurred at approximately 1 a.m. Near Highway 144 and St. Lawrence Road.

Details of the Incident

Initial reports indicated an altercation at a field party attended by an estimated 75-100 people, ranging in age from 15 to the early 20s. An unknown subject began firing a handgun, striking multiple individuals. Party-goers had been parking in the lot at St. Lawrence Catholic Church when the shooting occurred.

Victims were transported to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital by private vehicles. One victim, a 19-year-old male, died shortly after arrival. The other victim, a juvenile, remains hospitalized in stable condition. Authorities have not yet released the identities of either victim.

Ongoing Investigation

Sheriff Brad Youngman stated that detectives have made “substantial progress” in the investigation, receiving numerous tips, conducting dozens of interviews and collecting evidence, including video footage of the shooting.

The DCSO has identified four separate crime scenes: the field where the party took place, the parking lot at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, the hospital, and the vehicles used to transport the victims. Detective Matt Fitzgerald is leading the investigation, with support from multiple units within the DCSO, including the General Investigations Unit, Special Investigations Unit, and Forensic Investigations Unit.

Collaboration and Support

The investigation is a collaborative effort involving several agencies, including the Owensboro/Daviess County Central Dispatch, the Daviess County Coroner’s Office, the emergency department at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, the Daviess County Public Schools Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police Intelligence Unit. The Commonwealth Attorney Chris Compton and staff from St. Lawrence Catholic Church are also assisting.

Sheriff Youngman indicated that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in the shooting. Deputies had previously checked on the gathering earlier in the evening, describing it as a bonfire with a smaller crowd. They found no evidence of alcohol or intoxication at that time.

An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on the deceased victim in Jefferson County, and the coroner’s office will release the victim’s identity at a later time.

Resources

For emergencies, dial 9-1-1. The non-emergency number for the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office is (270) 685-8444. More information can be found on the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office website and the Owensboro Daviess County Central Dispatch website.