CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — A tense confrontation in the heart of downtown Crossville has ended in tragedy, leaving one man dead and another facing a second-degree murder charge.
District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway confirmed Saturday that 42-year-old Eric Brandon Garrison, of Crossville, is now charged with second-degree murder after the victim, Albert Darrell Sturgill Jr., died from his injuries. Sturgill was shot during a violent altercation Friday evening and passed away at a nearby hospital on Saturday.
Shooting Unfolds Across From Courthouse
The deadly incident occurred around 5:45 p.m. Friday, August 22, near North Main Street and Fourth Street, directly across from the Cumberland County Courthouse.
Authorities said what began as a roadway confrontation between Garrison and Sturgill quickly escalated, ending with gunfire that stunned bystanders in the busy downtown district.
Police arrived to find Sturgill critically wounded. Despite lifesaving efforts, he was later pronounced dead.
Cellphone Videos Provide Key Evidence
Investigators confirmed that several witnesses recorded the confrontation on their phones. Those videos, District Attorney Dunaway said, will be pivotal evidence in court.
“This incident happened in broad daylight, in front of dozens of people,” Dunaway said. “The community deserves answers, and we are determined to deliver justice for Mr. Sturgill and his family.”
Suspect in Custody
Garrison was originally charged with attempted second-degree murder, but the charges were upgraded after Sturgill’s death. He remains behind bars at the Cumberland County Jail on a $1 million bond.
The Crossville Police Department is leading the investigation in partnership with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Community Reaction
The shooting has left many residents shaken, especially given the location — directly across from the courthouse and near several businesses.
“This is not something you expect to see in the middle of town,” one witness said. “It was terrifying. There were families and children nearby when it all happened.”
Local leaders have urged the community to remain patient as the legal process unfolds.
What’s Next
Prosecutors say more details will be released as the investigation continues. Funeral arrangements for Albert Darrell Sturgill Jr. are expected to be announced soon as family and friends mourn his untimely loss.
Authorities emphasized that the case remains active and encouraged anyone with additional footage or information to come forward.
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