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Manning charged with murder
Jarrett Manning
Jarrett Manning


A call to E-911 reporting shots fired has led to the discovery of a murder victim, and an investigation by Sheriff’s officials and special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Smithville man on a murder charge.

According to Chief Deputy of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department Brian Williams, 56-year-old Thomas Dwayne Thomason suffered a gunshot wound outside his home and died after being transported by DeKalb EMS from the scene to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital. The shooting was reported to Central Dispatch at 2:12 a.m. last Saturday and a deputy was on the scene within minutes.

Also found at the scene was 39-year-old Jarrett Manning of Ferrell Road, who is believed to have been responsible for the shooting. He has been charged with second degree murder and is under $500,000 bond. Manning is scheduled to appear in DeKalb County General Sessions Court on August 3.

Chief Deputy Williams said the handgun believed to have been used in the shooting, was also recovered. No motive has yet been established, but the investigation continues, and more charges may be pending.

Chief Deputy Williams said in a statement, “On July 22, at 2:12 a.m., central dispatch received a call of shots fired at Kings Court Circle in Smithville. A deputy arrived within three minutes and noticed a man lying outside on the ground with a gunshot wound. Also, there was the suspect (Manning) who was detained at the time.”

“EMS arrived and transported the victim to Ascension Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital where he succumbed to the wound.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, an Investigator of the 13th Judicial District Attorney’s General’s Office, and Assistant DA Greg Strong, are assisting Sheriff Patrick Ray and the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation. Smithville police officers also helped with securing the scene