A Tennessee woman who fatally shot her abusive partner in what authorities say was an act of self-defense will not face charges, according to the Crockett County District Attorney. The woman, who is six months pregnant, acted to protect herself and two children from a violent assault involving a knife, pistol, and strangulation.
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CROCKETT COUNTY, TN (3-minute read) — A domestic violence incident in Crockett County has been officially ruled an act of self-defense, and no charges will be filed against a pregnant woman who fatally shot her abusive partner.
The shooting occurred on Thursday, April 17, in the 6000 block of Chestnut Bluff-Maury City Road. Authorities say 32-year-old John King III was shot and killed during a violent domestic altercation. The woman, who was six months pregnant at the time, had two other children present in the home when the incident occurred.
Early reports indicated a domestic dispute turned violent, with King allegedly assaulting the woman with a knife, a pistol, and by strangulation. In response, she used a firearm to defend herself and her children. On April 18, the sheriff’s department stated the incident was being investigated as domestic violence-related. Now, with the investigation complete, District Attorney General Frederick Agee confirmed on Wednesday that no charges would be filed.
“She had no other choice but to defend herself. That is why people have guns,” said Agee. “In this case, she used her firearm appropriately to defend not only herself, but her children.”
Confirmed Self-Defense: DA and Sheriff’s Statements
The Crockett County Sheriff’s Department posted on Facebook that physical evidence confirmed the woman was assaulted in multiple ways. The statement read, “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 firearm to defend herself.”
District Attorney Agee also revealed that the woman is a survivor of years of domestic abuse and emphasized that her actions were taken in the context of enduring long-term violence. Sheriff Troy Klyce expressed support for the survivor and emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting families and supporting victims of domestic violence.
Safety Tip: Always keep your firearm secured but accessible, especially if you rely on it for home defense. Use a quick-access safe and ensure only authorized individuals can reach it.
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