Newport man charged with killing neighbor over basement dispute

A Campbell County judge heard details Thursday regarding the fatal shooting of Damien Serrano, who died from a single gunshot wound sustained during a neighbor dispute in Newport.

Investigators presented evidence at the preliminary hearing for Isaac Hamilton, 25, who is charged with felony murder in the Oct. 23 incident.

The confrontation began with a verbal argument that investigators described as progressing to a simple misdemeanor assault. Hamilton told police on the scene that Serrano punched him in the genitals during the scuffle.

Witnesses stated the two men separated and walked back toward their respective homes while continuing to argue. Hamilton then entered his residence and returned with a firearm, according to testimony presented in court.

One witness heard Hamilton say, "let's see who's big and tough now," before the shooting occurred. Hamilton claimed Serrano struck him in the face after he reappeared. Investigators noted that Hamilton showed redness on his face but had no broken bones or black eye.

Hamilton stated he fired his gun twice. However, the coroner's office provided a preliminary report indicating Serrano was shot only once. Serrano was transported to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

When asked about the origin of the dispute, investigators pointed to a conflict over dog waste in a basement. The suspect and other witnesses speculated about the location of the waste. No future court date has been set as the case awaits a grand jury indictment.