Crime
34-year-old Ashton Bohannon killed after shooting in Cookeville shopping center parking lot
Cookeville, Tenn. — Authorities say an attempted robbery may have led to a fatal shooting in Cookeville on Friday night, after a victim reportedly acted in self-defense and fatally shot his alleged attacker.
According to the Cookeville Police Department, officers responded just before 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 11, to reports of a shooting in the parking lot of a shopping center located in the 700 block of South Jefferson Avenue, near an axe-throwing bar and a Walmart store.
Deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office also responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered 34-year-old Ashton Bohannon suffering from gunshot wounds.
He was transported to Cookeville Regional Medical Center in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. His next of kin have been notified.
Following a preliminary investigation, Cookeville Police Chief Scott Winfrey and Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris confirmed that a 22-year-old man, who remained at the scene and cooperated fully with investigators, reported that Bohannon allegedly attempted to rob him at gunpoint.
According to the 22-year-old, Bohannon confronted him in the parking lot and displayed a firearm during what is believed to have been a robbery attempt.
The younger man, who was legally carrying his own firearm, drew his weapon and fired in what he described as an act of self-defense.
At this time, no charges have been filed against the 22-year-old, as the incident is being investigated under Tennessee’s self-defense laws.
Authorities emphasized that the individual has been fully cooperative, and that witness testimony and possible security footage from nearby businesses are being reviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.
“This appears to be a case where an individual was forced to defend himself during a violent encounter,” said Sheriff Farris. “However, our detectives are still actively piecing together exactly what transpired.”
The Cookeville Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division continues to lead the investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information is encouraged to contact them at 931-520-5322.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Crime
Rice Consolidated High School Student Josiah Cobia Killed in Accidental Shooting at Home in Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake, TX — An 18-year-old student at Rice Consolidated High School was tragically killed in an accidental shooting at his home Friday evening, April 11, according to the Eagle Lake Police Department.
The victim, identified as Josiah Cobia, was shot around 5 p.m. in a bedroom of the family’s residence located at 670 Donovan Street in Eagle Lake.
According to Police Chief Donald T. Chaney, the incident occurred when Cobia’s younger brother, whose name has not been released due to his age, accidentally discharged a firearm while showing it to his older brother.
The shot struck Cobia, who later succumbed to his injuries.
Chief Chaney emphasized that the incident appears to be a tragic accident, based on statements provided by family members who were present at the time. “It was an accident, and accidents happen,” Chaney said. “You have kids that get a hold of guns, and unfortunately, neither of them had any business with it. That’s something we’re going to look into.”
While no criminal charges are currently anticipated in connection to Cobia’s death, authorities have launched a separate investigation to determine how the firearm came into the boys’ possession.
Chief Chaney noted that the children’s mother was unaware a gun was in the home or accessible to her sons.
At this stage, it remains unclear whether the gun discharged as a result of being dropped or due to another handling mishap.
Authorities will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the firearm’s accessibility and the exact sequence of events that led to the fatal discharge.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available in the ongoing investigation.