Chapter 44 Past
Lakeview Ledger
July 6, 1965
By Otis Smith, Staff Writer
Heroic Act Turns Chaotic: Leaving One Dead and One Injured.
Phil Newsome Injured in Struggle; Community Mourns Loss of Paul Newsome
Shay, AL — The Newsome family was struck by unimaginable tragedy late last night when a domestic emergency turned deadly inside the home of longtime Shay residents Phil and the late Katie Newsome.
According to authorities, Phil Newsome, County Commissioner and respected member of the Shay community, returned home shortly before midnight to find his youngest son, Paul Newsome (16), in a distressed state and allegedly preparing to take his own life.
In a desperate attempt to intervene, Mr. Newsome tried to wrestle the firearm from his son’s hands. During the struggle, the gun discharged. Paul suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. A second discharge occurred as the firearm hit the ground, striking Mr. Newsome in the hip.
Despite his injuries, Mr. Newsome was able to call for help and remained with Paul until first responders arrived. Tragically, the young man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Shay’s Sherif, Marvin Ellis stated, “This appears to be a deeply tragic accident. All evidence suggests Mr. Newsome was trying to save his son’s life, not end it.”
Paul, a rising junior at Shay High School, was well known around town for his quiet charm and fierce loyalty to those closest to him.
He was a standout on the football team and often volunteered at the local elementary school.
He was also the younger brother of Nicholas Newsome, who left for basic training earlier this week.
Family friends have indicated that Paul has been having a hard time emotionally in the months leading up to this, still dealing with the loss of his mother from several years back. Sources say the recent departure of his brother may have deepened that emotional strain.
“Phil loved his boys,” said Pastor Gerald Allen of First Baptist Church. “There’s no doubt in my mind that what happened last night was an act of a father trying to protect his son in a moment of crisis. It’s heartbreaking.”
Mr. Newsome is currently in stable condition at Grissom Memorial Hospital and is expected to make a full physical recovery.
As Shay tries to make sense of this loss, counselors have been made available at the high school, and a memorial is already forming at the Newsomes’ front gate—covered in flowers, team photos, and handwritten notes from classmates.
Funeral arrangements for Paul Newsome will be announced in the coming days.
This story is developing.
Everything in that article was a lie… all but one thing—Paul. My Paul… was really gone.