Detectives Investigating Self-Defense Claim In Friday's Fatal Shooting In Nashville

Press release from the City of Nashville:

June 5, 2020

Madison Precinct detectives continue to investigate a claim of self-defense in Friday’s 1:30 a.m. fatal shooting of Justin Sturgis, 34, in the parking lot of the Exxon, 819 South Gallatin Pike.

The investigation to this point shows that Sturgis and Azon Smith, 24, argued inside the store because Sturgis reportedly didn’t like the way Smith was looking at him. Sturgis allegedly made verbal threats toward Smith and a female clerk, who is Smith’s girlfriend, before displaying a gun as he left the store. Smith reported that he attempted to follow Sturgis but was unsuccessful. According to Smith, Sturgis then pulled back into the parking lot, allegedly making threatening statements from his car. As Sturgis proceeded to again back out of the parking lot, he reportedly pulled up his shirt in a manner that Smith perceived as Sturgis pulling his gun. Smith fired his weapon at Sturgis, who was struck multiple times inside his vehicle. Sturgis was transported to Skyline Medical Center where he died. Both men’s guns have been recovered.

No charges have been placed against Smith at present as the investigation continues. Detectives will staff their findings with the District Attorney’s Office.

This press release was produced by the City of Nashville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.