Crime
3-month-old Destiny Hope and her mother shot and killed by Independence Police officers at Oval Spring Apartments
No arrests were made at the scene, and Independence Police stated that no officers were injured.
During a press conference on Friday, Independence Police Chief Adam Dustman confirmed that a woman and her 3-month-old daughter, Destiny Hope, were tragically killed in an officer-involved shooting at an apartment complex near Larkspur Lane and M-291 Frontage Road on Thursday afternoon.
Chief Dustman explained that officers initially responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance, which indicated a possible assault.
Upon arrival, officers found the woman armed with a knife, leading to an escalation that culminated in gunfire.
Dustman did not specify the exact cause of death for either the woman or the infant, but he did confirm that an officer fired at least one shot.
Following protocol, the officer involved, as well as two additional responding officers, have been placed on administrative leave while the case is under investigation.
Dustman noted that the officer who discharged their firearm is a seasoned member of law enforcement and reiterated that officers adhered to standard procedures and training during the incident.
No arrests were made at the scene, and Independence Police stated that no officers were injured.
Carrie Lufkin, the property manager of the Oval Spring Apartments, stated that the situation had originally escalated from a domestic violence incident and that the woman and her baby ultimately lost their lives.
The Police-Involved Investigation Team was immediately activated to handle the case, and the Jackson County Prosecutorโs Office also issued a statement confirming their involvement.
Representatives from the prosecutorโs office visited the scene and met with the independent investigation team, which will conduct witness interviews and review physical evidence, including body camera footage, to determine the exact sequence of events.
In his remarks, Chief Dustman urged the community to remain vigilant in reporting warning signs of domestic violence and to practice firearm safety within households to help prevent such tragedies.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.