In the early hours of Friday morning, a distressing scene unfolded on SW Edy Road in Washington County. The sheriff's deputies, prompted by a distress call at 4:40 a.m., discovered an unresponsive woman lying near a roadway. Despite the prompt response of paramedics and deputies to assist the woman, their efforts were in vain as she was declared deceased at the scene. The victim was later identified as Mary McDowell, a 64-year-old resident of the 20500 block where she was found.
Within moments of their arrival, deputies detained Jose Lucas Morfin, Jr., McDowell's 38-year-old partner. Following swift and decisive action by detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit and the Major Crimes Team, Morfin has been charged with second-degree assault, unlawful weapon use, and possession of a firearm by a felon. These charges, announced on the Washington County Sheriff's Office website, mark just the onset of an ongoing investigation into McDowell's tragic death.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is actively seeking information from the public that could advance their investigation into the circumstances surrounding McDowell's death. Community members with knowledge pertinent to the case are being encouraged to come forward. The nature of the evolving investigation suggests that there might be additional revelations and charges as facts come to light.
Those with information can provide assistance by contacting the Washington County Non-Emergency Dispatch. The Sheriff's Office, aware of the critical role public contribution can play, has implored the community's participation.
