UPDATE: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Clifty Falls State Park Shooting

Investigators say the suspect was apprehended at the scene on Wednesday afternoon.

John D. McElwaney. Photo by Jefferson County Prosecutor. 

Update published at 11:34 a.m.:

A suspect has been arrested following a shooting at Clifty Falls State Park.

John Dean McElwaney, 33, of Tallapoosa, Georgia, has been booked into the Jefferson County Jail on a preliminary charge of Voluntary Manslaughter (Level 2 Felony).

McElwaney is accused of shooting and killing Joseph Renee Lane, 47, of Carrollton, Georgia. His body was discovered near the parking lot of the North Gate of Clifty Falls State Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement successfully apprehended McElwaney with no further incident.

Investigators say Lane suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest.

No further information has been provided at this time.

 

Original story published at 10:08 a.m.:

(Madison, Ind.) – A death investigation is underway in Madison.

Law enforcement responded to Clifty Falls State Park on Wednesday afternoon where an unidentified person was located deceased with apparent gunshot wounds. 

The North Gate to the park was temporarily closed following the incident. The gate was reopened as of Thursday morning.

No other information has been released at this time.

Check back for updates.  

More from Local News

Events

The Community Project Receives $1,000 Grant from DCF

The Community Project focuses on the core needs of struggling Dearborn County residents.

BCEF's Student Success Center Opens at Batesville High School

The comprehensive academic and emotional wellness hub designed to support students’ needs, is now open.

Ohio Co. Tourism Reschedules Merry Little Christmas Celebration

Due to the weather forecast, the event is being moved back a week.

Local Sports Report - December 12, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Former EC Star Named College All-American

This is not the only postseason award for the Mount St. Joseph star.

Local Sports Report - December 10, 2025

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Trace Adkins - I Left Something Turned On At Home

Diamond Rio X - The Star Still Shines 19:29
Keith Urban Put You in a Song 19:25
Tracy Lawrence My Second Home 19:22
Zac Brown Band Out In The Middle 19:20