SPRINGVILLE — A domestic dispute over a housing eviction turned violent Thursday afternoon, leading to a stabbing and the arrest of a Springville woman for allegedly attacking her daughter-in-law with an axe.
Jeanette S. Keel, 54, was taken into custody on February 26, 2026, following a chaotic multi-person brawl at a mobile home on Popcorn Road. She faces felony charges for her role in the altercation.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Captain James E. Slone of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began around 2:24 p.m. when dispatch received 911 calls reporting a stabbing.
Upon arrival, detectives discovered a complex scene involving six adults who all reside at the home. Investigators learned that the fight was sparked by an attempt by Brandon Gibson, 30, and his girlfriend, Mercedes Collins, 25, to evict Keel (who is Gibson’s biological mother) and Keel’s friend, 60-year-old Jeffrey A. Davis.
Mercedes Collins told investigators that during the argument, Keel threw an axe at her. Although the axe still had its cover on, it struck Collins in the forehead, causing a gash and bleeding.
The struggle escalated into a physical fight over the axe, during which Collins admitted to biting Keel to get her to let go of her hair. At that point, Jeffrey Davis allegedly intervened by “body slamming” Collins to the ground.
The violence extended to the other residents as well.
Witnesses and victims provided conflicting accounts of a knife fight between Jeffrey Davis and Brandon Gibson. Gibson suffered a stab wound to his abdomen and was transported to IU Health Bedford.
Davis reportedly held a knife to Gibson’s throat after cutting him.
A third male resident, who is non-verbal, informed police through writing and gestures that Davis had pushed him to the ground. The third male victim reportedly retrieved a baseball bat to defend Gibson once the knife was produced.
Keel was treated for a bite mark under her arm and a laceration on her finger before being arrested on-site. Davis was transported to IU Health Bloomington after experiencing heart problems during the investigation; police stated he will be arrested immediately upon his medical release.
Keel faces the following preliminary charges of battery while armed with a deadly weapon and battery.
Gibson, 30, was booked into jail on charges of battery committed with a deadly weapon and battery with bodily injury.
Collins was booked into jail on a charge of battery.
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department seized a cell phone containing video of the incident as evidence.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
