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
19-year-old Brianna killed in Lincoln shooting, suspect Tyler Benzel charged with first-degree murder
LINCOLN, Neb. — Lincoln police have released additional information about a fatal shooting Tuesday evening that claimed the life of a 19-year-old woman identified as Brianna.
Authorities have identified 37-year-old Tyler Benzel as the suspect in the shooting. According to Lancaster County Jail records, Benzel has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death.
According to Lincoln police, the incident began with a verbal and physical altercation involving Benzel’s wife, Brianna and other individuals.
Investigators said they believe the confrontation was initiated by Benzel’s wife. Police said Benzel later left his residence and approached the group.
Authorities allege that Benzel told the individuals to leave and made verbal threats before raising a firearm and firing at the group. Police said the confrontation and shooting took place away from Benzel’s property.
Officers arrived at the scene within moments and found Brianna suffering from a single gunshot wound.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical treatment at the scene. Brianna was subsequently transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
Police recovered a 9mm handgun at the scene. However, investigators said forensic testing is still required to determine whether the recovered firearm was the weapon used in the shooting.
Authorities said they are not currently aware of any other weapons being involved in the incident.
Police said Benzel was cooperative when officers arrived at the scene. Authorities also said Benzel and his wife did not know Brianna or the other individuals involved before the altercation.
Benzel’s wife has not been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting at this time.
The investigation remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence, including forensic testing of the recovered firearm.
Authorities have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Benzel is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.