A quiet neighborhood in Lexington was shaken early Wednesday morning after a woman and her young son were found dead inside their home, leaving neighbors stunned and investigators searching for answers.
Police say the call came in just before 1 a.m. on March 18. Multiple agencies rushed to a residence near the 9300 block of Ryan Place after reports of gunfire. When officers entered the home, they found an adult woman, identified as Jennifer Marsaw, already dead. Nearby, her 5-year-old son, Marzai Dawson, was still alive but gravely injured.
Emergency responders worked quickly to save the child. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Despite those efforts, he later died from his injuries, turning a single tragedy into a devastating double loss.
The scene quickly drew a heavy law enforcement presence. Officers from several departments, along with county sheriff’s teams and emergency medical personnel, secured the area. A K-9 unit was brought in to search for a suspect who had fled the scene.
Not long after, authorities located an adult male believed to be connected to the incident. He was identified as Irving Marsaw. Officers took him into custody with the help of the K-9 unit. He was later transported to a hospital for medical evaluation before further questioning.
Investigators say this was not a random act. Early indications suggest the shooting may be tied to a domestic situation, though officials have not yet released specific details about what led up to the violence inside the home.
The case has stirred deep concern in the community. Records show the suspect had prior contact with the criminal justice system, raising questions about whether warning signs may have been missed or overlooked.
For now, authorities are keeping details close as the investigation continues. Officials say there is no ongoing threat to the public, but for neighbors on Ryan Place, the sense of safety has already been shaken by a tragedy that unfolded behind closed doors.
