Mark Sawaf
Family friend Leslie Penn described Mark Sawaf, 39, as a loving person who counseled people struggling with addiction and vacationed with her family. Sawaf was in federal custody when officers took him into the woods in Harlan County to show them where trail cameras were. State Police say a Lexington fire investigator shot him during a search after he tried to escape. His family and friends dispute that account, saying he was handcuffed and wanted to help police. The State Police investigation is ongoing, and his family wants answers.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). State Police say a fire investigator shot him during a search, while his family and friends say he was handcuffed and wanted to help police.
Reported by: State Police (outside investigators); his family and friends.