Ohio Man Charged With Murder in Kentucky Lake Shooting
An Ohio man is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing his friend during an altercation at a lake house near Lake Cumberland in Kentucky, authorities say.
Anthony Emerson, 35, from Batavia, Ohio, is charged with one count of murder and is currently being held in the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $1 million bond, jail records confirm.
The victim has been identified as Thomas Wayne Dick, also 35, of Aurora, Indiana. The two men, described as lifelong friends, had traveled roughly 200 miles south from the Cincinnati metro area to the lake house where the violence unfolded.
The shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department. Emerson himself called 911 to report the incident.
In audio obtained by local media, the 911 dispatcher is heard asking, “Did he break into the residence?”
Emerson allegedly replied, “No, he didn’t break in, man. We got into an argument. He came at me. I didn’t have a choice.”
When pressed by the dispatcher about who fired the shot, Emerson admitted, “I did. He came in and threatened my life. I didn’t have a choice. Please just come, save him.”
Pulaski County Deputy Coroner Keith Price told WKYT-TV that the two men were known to be close friends. “The dad told me that these two were friends. Lifelong friends. They just got into an altercation. One shot the other one,” Price said.
Emerson reportedly told the dispatcher that he shot Dick in the upper chest. Although the victim was unarmed, Emerson claimed he felt threatened during the dispute.
“I was scared for my life,” Emerson allegedly said during the 911 call.
Sheriff’s deputies said Dick was already deceased when they arrived at the scene around 1:30 a.m. Their response was delayed by about 20 minutes due to the remote location of the lake house and confusion about the exact address, which Emerson reportedly struggled to communicate because of missing signage on the rural gravel road.
Authorities say alcohol was involved in the incident, but it’s still unclear what triggered the argument that led to gunfire.
The investigation remains ongoing. Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for any additional information that might help clarify the events leading up to the fatal shooting.
Lake Cumberland, a popular recreational destination in Kentucky, spans several counties and attracts many visitors from out of state. This tragic incident has brought renewed focus on safety and disputes that can escalate during social gatherings, especially where alcohol is involved.
Emerson is expected to appear in court as the case proceeds.
