Kentucky – In a shocking incident in Kentucky that unfolded at the parking lot of a local fast food restaurant, a 23-year-old woman, identified as C. Bagwell, is facing serious charges after instructing a friend, who is a convicted felon, to shoot a man following a heated argument over her unleashed dog. Bagwell and her friend now face serious felony charges as new court documents shed light on the targeted attack.
Bagwell has been arrested and charged with first-degree assault after investigators say she instructed her 41-year-old friend, identified as G. Ross, to shoot a stranger with whom she had a verbal confrontation earlier that same day. The incident occurred on January 4 in the parking lot of a fast food restaurant in the Taylor Berry neighborhood and has since drawn widespread outrage over its senselessness.
According to the police department, the violent encounter began with a dispute between Bagwell and the male victim, reportedly in his 20s, after her dog escaped its leash. The argument turned heated when the man confronted Bagwell over her lack of control, leading to a verbal exchange. Later that day, Bagwell is alleged to have returned to the scene, not alone but accompanied by Ross, who authorities say was told to confront — and ultimately shoot — the man involved in the earlier dispute. Police were called to the scene that afternoon and found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds to his arm and buttocks. Despite the violence of the attack, the man’s injuries were not life-threatening, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. According to investigators, the victim is expected to make a full recovery.
Surveillance footage and witness accounts helped authorities piece together what happened. The footage reportedly shows a confrontation between Ross and the victim that escalated quickly. At some point during the exchange, Ross pulled out a firearm and shot the man, then fled the scene before officers arrived. The gunman’s identity was eventually confirmed through follow-up investigation, with both Bagwell and Ross identified and tracked down. Ross was arrested on May 6, a full four months after the incident, and Bagwell was taken into custody on Monday following the conclusion of the investigation.
Initially, Bagwell faced a second-degree complicity to assault charge, but prosecutors later upgraded her charge to first-degree assault following her arraignment. The move suggests a belief that Bagwell played an active and intentional role in the shooting. Ross, meanwhile, has been charged with first-degree assault and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon — a charge that alone could lead to significant prison time. Ross remains in custody and has not been granted bail. Bagwell, however, posted part of her $50,000 bond and was released from jail. She is expected to return to court on June 10 at 9 a.m., where further proceedings will determine whether her case proceeds to trial.
According to court documents, Bagwell allegedly returned home after the initial argument and relayed the details of the confrontation to Ross. The pair then drove back to the parking lot, where Ross approached the victim. During the encounter, Bagwell allegedly encouraged Ross to shoot, escalating the conflict from a mere disagreement to a violent ambush. The case underscores the dangers of retaliatory violence and the disturbing ease with which everyday arguments can erupt into acts of deliberate harm. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has further information to come forward. For now, the victim is recovering, and both Bagwell and Ross face serious consequences for a confrontation that spiraled into gunfire — all allegedly sparked by a loose dog.
