Man, 83, Opened Fire, Killing Woman: Deputies

PARRISH, FL — The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Tuesday night shooting that left a woman dead.

According to the agency, Rebecca Rawson, 65, went with her daughter and brother-in-law to pick up her dog, Bart, from a home in the 12900 block of Pritchart Road in Parrish just before 7 p.m. Jan. 10. When the brother-in-law, Rodney Rawson, 62, knocked on the door, deputies say Eugene F. Matthews, 83, opened it and “began shooting a handgun.”

At some point during the shooting, deputies say Matthews fired at the car Rebecca and her daughter, Kathryn Rawson, 26, were in. One round went through the front windshield and struck Rebecca Rawson, an email from the agency said.

A struggle between Matthews and Rodney Rawson broke out after the shots were fired, an arrest report said. Rodney Rawson was able to grab the gun and take it from Matthews, the report said.

Rebecca Rawson was taken to a local hospital, but was pronounced dead.

Matthews was charged with second-degree murder and two counts of attempted homicide.

No further information is available at this time, including what may have motivated Matthews.

Image via Shutterstock