In the quiet streets of Washington, Indiana, the afternoon of February 7, 2026 turned tragic when 51-year-old Phillip Waggoner was struck and killed by gunfire near the corner of SW 1st Street and Dewey Avenue. First responders raced to the scene around 3:33 p.m. after neighbors reported hearing multiple shots ring out in the neighborhood. Waggoner was found unresponsive on the pavement and later pronounced dead by emergency personnel. The sudden loss has left the community shaken and searching for answers. Details released by authorities so far paint a grim picture of a life cut short in broad daylight.
Police quickly identified a suspect and detained him at the scene. 21-year-old Ashton Lee Baxter, a resident of Washington, was taken into custody without incident shortly after the shooting. Local law enforcement confirmed Baxter now faces multiple charges, including Murder and Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon. He remains held without bond at the Daviess County Security Center as the case moves forward.
Investigators with the Washington Police Department, supported by the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police, are combing through evidence and witness statements to build a clearer picture of what sparked the violence. At this stage, officials are not releasing information on a possible motive, and Baxter is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Those who knew Waggoner describe him as a familiar face in town who often stopped to chat with neighbors on his daily walks. Friends and relatives have begun to gather near his home, lighting candles and sharing quiet memories of a husband, father and friend whose life now stands at the center of a heartbreaking investigation. Community members have expressed deep sadness over the sudden loss, noting his presence in local parks, stores and family events around Washington.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have seen or heard something unusual around the time of the shooting to come forward. Detectives are particularly interested in any video footage from nearby homes or businesses that might shed light on the moments before and after the shots were fired. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and law enforcement says every piece of information helps.
The Daviess County Coroner’s Office is expected to release a full autopsy report in the coming days, which could offer more insight into the exact nature of Waggoner’s injuries and time of death. Meanwhile, Baxter’s first court appearance is scheduled, where prosecutors will likely outline the charges and possible next steps in the case.
In a community still reeling from the violence, local leaders have called for calm and unity. A vigil is being organized to remember Waggoner’s life and give neighbors a moment to come together. As Washington waits for answers, the tragedy has become a somber reminder of how quickly life can change in even the most familiar places.
