Fatal shooting in Crockett County ruled self defense

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — We have an update regarding the recent shooting incident that occurred last week in Crockett County.

SEE ALSO: Police reveal details in Crockett County shooting that left 1 dead

Thursday, April 17, the Crockett County Sheriff’s Department responded to a shooting on Chestnut Bluff and Maury City Road. According to the sheriff’s department, John King III was shot and killed in the 6000 block of Chestnut Bluff-Maury City Road.

We learned on April 18 that it appeared to be domestic violence-related, and no charges were filed at the time.

Wednesday, we spoke with District Attorney General Frederick Agee. He told us this was self defense and that his office would not be pursuing any charges.

“She is six months pregnant and there were two other children in the household,” said Agee. “She had no other choice but to defend herself. That is why people have guns. In this case, she used her firearm appropriately to defend not only herself, but her children.”

The sheriff’s department posted on their Facebook page that there was “physical evidence revealed Mrs. King faced multiple forms of assault, including being attacked with a knife, a pistol, and strangulation. In a desperate attempt to safeguard her life, the life of her unborn child, and the two children in the home – she utilized a weapon to defend herself.”

Agee told us that she is a survivor of years of domestic abuse. He also told us that she defended herself after a terrible domestic assault.

Sheriff Troy Klyce stated, “The safety and well-being of families in our community is our top priority. We will continue to provide support and resources to victims of domestic violence. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved as healing begins.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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