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.
GULFPORT, Miss. – A domestic dispute during a community Easter celebration in the Orange Grove area escalated into a deadly shooting on Saturday, April 12, leaving one man dead and at least two others injured, according to Gulfport authorities.
The incident unfolded during a family-oriented Easter gathering hosted by Empowerment Ministries Christian Center outside the Jack and Florence Goldin Sportsplex around 2:05 p.m.
Witnesses say a young woman had invited her child’s father to the event so he could see their baby. At some point during the gathering, tensions rose when the father attempted to take the child without consent.
Two church members, identified as part of the event’s security team, stepped in to de-escalate the situation after noticing the man was holding both the baby and a firearm.
Fearing for the safety of the children and other attendees, they approached the man. Words were exchanged, and in a sudden turn of events, the man opened fire while still holding the child.
One of the church members, later identified as Deacon Eddie Shed, was shot multiple times, including after falling to the ground.
Despite his critical injuries, Shed—who served as head of church security—managed to return fire, striking the assailant.
A second church member was also shot in the exchange.
The suspect attempted to flee the scene with the child but reportedly stumbled and fell while holding the infant and the weapon.
He eventually made it to a vehicle being driven by his father, and the two fled the scene. They were later located at Garden Park Medical Center.
One of the suspects is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.
Emergency crews responded immediately. Deacon Eddie Shed was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another victim, suffering from life-threatening injuries, was airlifted to Mobile, Alabama, while a third individual was transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
Three individuals have been detained as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials confirmed that the shooting was not connected to any Spring Break-related events.
Later that evening, Empowerment Ministries Christian Center released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of Deacon Shed. The statement reads, in part:
“Our beloved Deacon Eddie Shed was taken from us in a senseless act of gun violence. Deacon Shed epitomized the virtues of a hero, displaying selfless courage and bravery that ultimately saved others from harm. He paid the ultimate price for his valor, and we are deeply saddened by this loss.”
Senior Pastor Dr. Gregg S. Magee, Sr., emphasized that the perpetrator was not affiliated with the church, and the tragedy has left the congregation heartbroken.
The church described Shed as a “pillar of strength” and a “beacon of light and hope,” offering prayers to his family and all affected by the tragedy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the suspect’s motives and the events leading up to the gunfire.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Gulfport Police as the investigation remains active.