A Tennessee man accused of fatally shooting a former co-worker earlier this year is now facing a criminal homicide charge, as a local judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to a higher court.
Demontra Collins, 34, is charged in connection with the May 14 shooting death of 27-year-old Jamel Sutton in the 1200 block of North Hickory Street, Chattanooga. Responding officers found Sutton with multiple gunshot wounds shortly before 4 p.m. He was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.
According to police investigators, Sutton was in the process of securing a child’s car seat in the back seat of a vehicle when Collins drove past and spotted him. The two men, who had reportedly been engaged in an ongoing dispute, exchanged gunfire after Collins allegedly parked and approached the vehicle.
Detectives believe Collins initiated the confrontation and discharged up to 12 rounds, while Sutton managed to return fire twice. Collins was uninjured in the altercation.
Following the shooting, Collins allegedly drove to another location and contacted law enforcement, asserting he fired in self-defense. A detective testified in court that during a phone conversation, Collins made a chilling statement: “I’m coming in,” and added that the victim “ain’t coming back.”
Despite his claim of self-defense, Collins was arrested and formally charged with criminal homicide.
According to courtroom coverage from Chattanoogan.com, the incident unfolded in front of young children. Sutton had picked up his girlfriend, who also worked with Collins at a local club, and her children, all under the age of four. The group had just arrived at a house when the fatal encounter occurred.
Witnesses say Collins pulled up in a white Jeep, exited the vehicle with a firearm in hand, and began firing at Sutton without warning.
Collins’ defense attorney has argued that days before the incident, Sutton allegedly pointed a gun at his client. The attorney further claimed Collins believed Sutton was reaching for a weapon at the time of the shooting, prompting the lethal response.
Fortunately, none of the children present were harmed during the confrontation.
Collins has since posted a $250,000 bond and is currently under house arrest as the legal proceedings continue.
The case has drawn attention amid growing concerns over gun violence in Tennessee and the rising number of self-defense claims tied to fatal shootings. As investigations continue, both the prosecution and defense are preparing for what could become a high-profile courtroom battle over intent, fear, and legality in a deadly exchange.
