A father is being held in a Stokes County jail following a shooting that left his son-in-law dead. The shooting happened Tuesdsay morning in 1500 block of Sheppard Mill Road, about a half-mile from Moratock Park. Sheriff Mike Marshall said Joseph Lawson, 63, assaulted his daughter and then shot his son-in-law, Brian Sells, 43. Sells died from his injuries at the scene. His body was found behind the main home in an outbuilding , where Lawson lives. There had been an ongoing dispute among Lawson, his daughter and son-in-law, according to the chief deputy. Lawson was arrested and is charged with murder and assault on a female. He is being held without bond.

A father is being held in a Stokes County jail following a shooting that left his son-in-law dead.

The shooting happened Tuesdsay morning in 1500 block of Sheppard Mill Road, about a half-mile from Moratock Park.


Sheriff Mike Marshall said Joseph Lawson, 63, assaulted his daughter and then shot his son-in-law, Brian Sells, 43.

Sells died from his injuries at the scene.

His body was found behind the main home in an outbuilding , where Lawson lives.

There had been an ongoing dispute among Lawson, his daughter and son-in-law, according to the chief deputy.



Lawson was arrested and is charged with murder and assault on a female. He is being held without bond.