Jackson man accused of shooting cousin, charged with attempted murder

JACKSON, Tenn. — An alleged family feud leads to formal charges for a Jackson man accused of shooting his cousin. Police said the gunfire sent three people to the hospital.

Fredericus Williams, 28, appeared Monday in Jackson City Court on two counts including criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.

Williams is accused of shooting his cousin July 27 at a home on Oakridge Drive.

Ronald E. Thomas lives nearby and is part of the neighborhood watch group. “It’s just disturbing and it’s unfortunate,” he said.

Police said the victim’s aunt and Williams showed up around 8 p.m. Wednesday with a gun. Officers said the victim told them his aunt shot him in the ear. The victim said he fell down, got a gun, and shot his aunt, who was still armed, according to court documents. The victim told police he saw his aunt fall and Williams picked up the gun and shot him in the forehead, according to court documents. The victim said he fired back and shot Williams, according to court documents.

Jackson police declined to comment on camera Monday about the investigation. Officers said one person remains hospitalized and the others were treated and released.

Thomas said he does not know the family but confirmed they are relatively new to the neighborhood. “We wish and hope that this particular family, that they can kind of come together and get beyond this incident,” he said.

Police said the shooting is still under investigation.

Williams is being held at the Madison County Jail in lieu of a $150,000 bond. He is scheduled to return to court at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 11.