In the early morning hours of January 12, 2021, a heated argument at a South Nashville apartment complex tragically escalated, ending the life of 25-year-old Damien Johnson. The male victim was visiting his girlfriend at The Overton Brentwood Apartments on Edmondson Pike when a dispute between the couple turned physical.
Living in the same apartment was Corbin Rashard Arrington, then 24 years old.
As the argument between Johnson and his girlfriend intensified, Arrington intervened, pulling out a pistol and shooting Johnson. After the shooting, Arrington dragged Johnson's body out of the apartment. He fled the scene after noticing that Johnson's girlfriend was on the phone with 911. Investigators later confirmed that the girlfriend did not ask for Arrington's intervention in the dispute.
Following the incident, the Metro Nashville Police Department issued a warrant for Arrington's arrest on a charge of criminal homicide. However, he did not remain a fugitive for long. Later that same day, Arrington surrendered to Homicide Unit detectives at the police headquarters.
Court records show that the initial charge of first-degree murder against Corbin Arrington was later amended. He ultimately pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault resulting in the death of Damien Johnson. Following his plea, a judge sentenced Arrington to six years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. An appeal by Arrington for judicial diversion or an alternative sentence was denied.
