Mark Steven Laws, 62, was shot and killed at a residence on Old Pearman Road in Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, on Sunday, May 25, 2025. A noted drummer, bandleader and producer in the country music community, Laws was described as arriving at the home after his wife’s stepchild’s grandmother called him to help de-escalate a dispute.

Madon allegedly assaulted his grandfather, and when Laws arrived a separate argument between Laws and Madon turned physical and ended when Madon allegedly shot Laws. The Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office found Laws deceased at the scene from gunshot wounds; Madon sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his hand and was treated at a local hospital before being booked into the Claiborne County Jail on a criminal homicide charge. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be possible.

Laws’ family, fellow musicians and the local community have mourned his death and remembered his influence and mentorship in music. If anyone who knew Mark Laws or who was in the Cumberland Gap area on May 25 has information that could help the investigation, please come forward.