On June 26, 2024, 27-year-old Cody McDonald was found on the front porch of his Cone Lane home in Summerville, South Carolina, with a single gunshot wound to the neck. Deputies from the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office arrived about 3 a.m.; despite deputies performing chest compressions and EMS efforts, Cody was pronounced dead at 4:20 a.m.

Investigators say the shooting followed a physical altercation between Cody and his father, Ronald McDonald. Ronald reportedly retrieved a shotgun from inside the house and fired the shot. He was detained at the scene and described as combative. A search turned up substantial blood evidence and a wooden-handled rifle.

After review with the First Circuit Solicitor’s Office, investigators concluded Ronald acted in self-defense and no homicide charge was filed. Because Ronald is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms, he was arrested on a firearm-possession charge and booked into the Dorchester County Detention Center.

If anyone knew Cody or saw activity at the Cone Lane residence before dawn on June 26, please share what you know.