Published on: February 23, 2026, 10:24h.
Updated on: February 23, 2026, 10:24h.
- Individual arrested unclothed at Nitro casino faces homicide charge
- Authorities allege suspect shot his father six times on Saturday
- Indecent exposure arrest leads to breakthrough in homicide case
A man from West Virginia, apprehended at Mardi Gras Casino in Nitro, W.Va., in the early hours of Sunday, was found unclothed except for a hat and shoes, and is accused of fatally shooting his father earlier that same day.
Thomas Jeffrey Lawson Jr., aged 33 from Iaeger, was arraigned in Kanawha County Magistrate Court on charges of first-degree murder, according to records reviewed by WCHS-TV.
Prosecutors assert that he shot Thomas Lawson Sr. multiple times in the back of the head after 2 p.m. on Saturday. Following this, he reportedly went to the casino to gamble, arriving at approximately 5:30 p.m., as per casino staff reports.
Indecent Exposure Incident
At around 1 a.m. on Sunday, police officials reported that Lawson Jr. allegedly entered a bathroom at the Mardi Gras Casino and stripped off his clothing. He then exited, approached a Nitro police officer, and made obscene gestures before fleeing.
He was subsequently apprehended and taken into custody, facing charges of indecent exposure related to this event.
According to investigators, Lawson Sr. left his home around 2 p.m. Saturday to assist his son with tree cutting. When he failed to return by 10:30 p.m., concerned family members contacted authorities.
Deputies from McDowell County discovered Lawson Sr.’s body near his son’s residence. Lawson Jr. was not present at the scene, and his vehicle was unaccounted for.
Lawson Sr.’s spouse informed deputies that her husband had fears regarding his son, as there were prior instances of physical conflicts between them. Nevertheless, she noted that Lawson Sr. was attempting to be supportive by helping out on this occasion, according to the complaint.
Gambling Addiction
Investigators discovered that Lawson Jr. struggled with a significant gambling addiction and frequently visited Mardi Gras Casino. When law enforcement was contacted in Kanawha County, they were informed of his recent arrest at the casino for indecent exposure.
Detectives analyzed the cell phones of both the suspect and the victim and uncovered text messages exchanged between them, in which they coordinated a meeting, as stated in the complaint. Lawson Jr. specified the time and date for Lawson Sr.’s visit to his home.
Lawson Jr. is currently being held without bond at South Central Regional Jail.