In the late hours of a Wednesday evening in Kentwood, Louisiana, a dispute outside a local bar escalated into a fatal encounter for 38-year-old Marco Dillon. On May 24, 2023, deputies from the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office were called to the scene of a shooting at approximately 9:30 PM at a bar known as Backroad 40, situated on Highway 1051. Upon their arrival, they discovered Dillon with a gunshot wound.
He was quickly transported by ambulance to Hood Memorial Hospital, but he did not survive his injuries.
Investigations into the night's events revealed that an altercation had taken place outside the establishment. Following the initial dispute, several individuals were reportedly asked to leave the premises. It was during this time that one of the patrons involved in the conflict is said to have left, only to return armed with a firearm. In the ensuing confrontation, Marco Dillon was shot in the chest.
The investigation led to the arrest of 25-year-old John McGowan of Hammond. McGowan was subsequently charged with one count of Second Degree Murder, one count of Possession of a Firearm Inside an Alcoholic Beverage Outlet, and one count of a Protective Order Violation. At the time of his arrest for the shooting of Dillon, it was also discovered that McGowan had an outstanding warrant for one count of Aggravated Domestic Abuse Battery.
