MOUNT VERNON — The Ohio State Highway Patrol in collaboration with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office, charged Michael T. Collins, 54, of Frazeysburg, with having weapons while under disability as a result of the investigation into the shooting death of Lilly Dawn Pressley-Claggett of St. Louisville and the wounding of Jessie Bernard Collins. 30, of Frazeysburg.
Michael Collins is incarcerated at the Knox County Jail and is being held on a $50,000 cash bond. He was convicted of marijuana trafficking in Knox County in 1995, according to Knox County Prosecutor John Thatcher. He also had a drug trafficking conviction in Licking County in 1995.
A preliminary hearing on the weapons charge is scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday in Mount Vernon Municipal Court.
The investigation has revealed that this incident stemmed from a domestic dispute involving Michael Collins, father of Jessie Collins and Melissa Kramer, 28, of Utica. Also involved was the deceased, Lilly Dawn Pressley-Claggett.
Initial information has revealed that Michael Collins and Kramer were in a vehicle pursuing Pressley-Claggett and Jesse Collins in their vehicle northbound on Ohio 586 when gunfire was exchanged, killing Pressley-Claggett and wounding Jesse Collins. Subsequently, Pressley-Claggett’s vehicle drifted off the roadway and was discovered by first responders. A spokeswoman for the Highway Patrol confirmed that shots were apparently fired from both vehicles, but who was firing is one of the matters still under investigation. She did not have information on what kind of weapons were involved.
Following the shooting, Michael Collins and Kramer fled the scene.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed.
Investigators are requesting that anyone who may have additional information regarding this investigation, contact the Ohio State Highway Patrol — Critical Information & Communication Center at 614-799-6633.
