Dawn M. Schaefer, a 53-year-old woman from Oak Hill, FL, tragically died on November 4, 2018. The incident occurred in a rural area of Oak Hill, specifically near North Brooks Circle and Saturday Drive, where Schaefer and her longtime boyfriend, Andrew McGee, 49, lived in a tent on a relative's property. According to reports, the couple had been residing in this makeshift home for some time.
On the evening of the incident, McGee reported hearing gunshots in the vicinity and stepped out of their tent to fire a warning shot in response. He claimed that he slipped in the dark and rainy conditions, accidentally discharging an old, poorly functioning shotgun. The shot struck Schaefer, hitting a main artery in her leg, which led to her death. McGee stated that he could not see Schaefer due to the darkness and the rain. He remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and conducted an investigation.
They received conflicting reports about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, including accounts of target shooting and the accidental discharge of the weapon. Despite these discrepancies, the sheriff's office initially treated the shooting as accidental. No charges were filed against McGee at the time, but the investigation remained active.
Schaefer's death was a significant event in the small community of Oak Hill, drawing attention to the living conditions and the tragic circumstances surrounding her demise. The case highlights the complexities and challenges law enforcement faces in determining the exact nature of such incidents, especially when conflicting reports and poor visibility are involved.
