Witnesses describe deadly shooting as self-defense

Authorities say witnesses are describing a deadly shooting in southwest Missouri as self-defense.

Phelps County Sheriff Michael Kim said in a news release that was posted Monday on Facebook that deputies talked to six eyewitnesses to the Jan. 16 shooting in Dolittle in which Donny Mason was killed and another man suffered a leg wound.

The release said the witnesses reported that Mason drew a pistol first and approached the other man with his gun pointed at him.

Witnesses said that’s when the other man drew his pistol and the two began shooting at one another.