A Nashville man, LaGarrion Lamontez Blacksmith, 36, has been charged with possession of ammunition by a felon in connection to a 2023 homicide. The announcement was made by United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Braden H. Boucek.
The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD) responded to a shooting at Club Trvth on Dickerson Pike on February 18, 2023. Officers found the victim, identified as C.E., deceased from multiple gunshot wounds.
According to police, a witness stated that he and C.E. were inside the nightclub when they became involved in a verbal altercation with other patrons. Security guards advised them not to leave due to safety concerns, but they left regardless. The dispute continued into the parking lot and ended in gunfire.
MNPD homicide detectives determined that several people fired weapons during the incident and at least two individuals were shot. Surveillance footage showed Blacksmith firing a weapon near two vehicles while alone in an area outside the club.
Forensic analysis by the MNPD Crime Lab linked 16 shell casings found at the scene to one firearm. This evidence, along with video surveillance and crime scene photographs, led investigators to attribute those casings to Blacksmith as an individual shooter. Detectives also recovered an iPhone near these casings that was connected to Blacksmith.
At the time of this incident, Blacksmith had previous felony convictions in Davidson County Criminal Court for theft over $1,000; attempted possession of more than 0.5 grams of cocaine for resale; and being a felon in possession of a weapon.
If convicted on this new charge, Blacksmith could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with MNPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens is prosecuting the case.
"An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," according to officials.
