Frank Oliver Usher III, a 29-year-old Black male, was fatally shot in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on March 5, 2021. The incident took place in the 700 block of East 48th Street. Police discovered Usher on the ground with a gunshot wound to his neck. He was transported to Erlanger Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he later died. His death was the result of gun violence, a tragic event that deeply affected his family and community.
The investigation into Usher's death was handled
by the Chattanooga Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit. Security camera footage from the Chattanooga Housing Authority played a crucial role in the case. The video showed Usher entering a residence, followed by the suspect, Marvin Fallins, a 51-year-old male. A short time later, Usher was seen exiting the front door, holding his neck. Fallins then exited the home with a firearm in his hand. According to police reports, Fallins later admitted to shooting Usher. A witness who was with Fallins as he exited the residence grabbed the firearm from him.
Marvin Fallins was arrested shortly after the incident and charged with criminal homicide and unlawful possession of a weapon. During his trial, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision on the second-degree murder charge, resulting in a deadlocked jury on that count. However, Fallins was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Following the trial, the judge revoked Fallins' bond, stating that he posed a danger to the community, and ordered him into custody.
