CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Clay County Sheriff Brison Swearingen reported on April 19 Andrew Bethel, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene after a 7:30 p.m. shooting on Nellie Lane just outside of Brazil.
Local resident Ryan Penrod said he heard a loud noise outside his house followed by the sounds of sirens. The shooting happened just a few doors down from his home.
“The shooting is very tragic,” he said. “It is unfortunate that someone lost their life as it is a rare thing that happens in our community.”
After hearing the sirens Penrod said his first reaction was to check on his wife.
“She was then a little nervous because this doesn’t happen very often in our community,” he said. “I tried to reassure that everything was going to be okay and that it wouldn’t spill over into our house or area.”
Even after this incident, Penrod said that he still feels safe in his community.
“I still think Brazil is a great place and great community and I still feel safe in the community, but I feel that it is very tragic that had to happen,” he added.
Penrod and others are not yet getting answers from investigators about the shooting. They have only said so far that it was an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public.
Penrod said that the victim and his family will be in their prayers.
“My heart goes out to the family and all of those that were involved for sure,” he said.
The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has not released any additional details on this investigation at this time including any information about a suspect or an arrest.
