NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Police say a man who claimed self-defense in a deadly shooting from earlier this month is now charged in the case.
Metro Nashville police say 24-year-old Azon Smith is charged with criminal homicide in the shooting death of 34-year-old Justin Sturgis.
The shooting happened during the early morning hours on June 5 at a gas station on Gallatin Pike South.
Police say Smith initially claimed self-defense, but the investigation shows that he shot Sturgis even though he “did not appear to be in any apparent danger.” Investigators say the two men had argued, and Sturgis got into his vehicle to leave. That's when police say Smith fired into the driver’s side, striking Sturgis multiple times.
Sturgis was transported to Skyline Medical Center where he died.
