A Manatee County man is behind bars Wednesday morning after a violent confrontation Tuesday night. 

  • Man accused of shooting, killing woman over dog
  • Rebecca Rawson shot after attempting to pick up dog at man's home
  • Eugene Matthews is charged with second-degree murder

The sheriff's office said a woman was shot and killed over a dog. 

The incident happened at a home along Pritchart Road in Parrish shortly before 7 p.m. 

Officials said the victim, Rebecca Rawson, her daughter, and brother-in-law went to Eugene Matthews' home to retrieve Rebecca's dog, Bart. 

The brother-in-law, Rodney Rawson, went to the door and knocked while Rebecca stayed in the vehicle. 

Another resident of the home, Juanita Sills, opened the door and called for Bart. The dog came and Rodney picked up the dog, heading back to the vehicle.

That's when Matthews came out of the house and fired a gun, officials said. The suspect fired three shots into the air, officials said, one of which went through the windshield of the vehicle and struck the victim in the face. 

Rebecca Rawson, 64, was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead. 

Eugene Matthews, 83, was taken into custody. He is charged with second-degree murder.

It was not reported whether Kathryn Rawson, 26, or Rodney Rawson, 62, were injured in the shooting. 

The investigation is ongoing.