In the late afternoon of December 10, 2020, a domestic dispute in a Portland, Tennessee home escalated into a fatal shooting, claiming the life of 37-year-old Brandi M. Ladd. Another individual, John F. Heath, 42, was also shot and wounded during the incident but survived.
Authorities responded to a shooting call at a residence on William Mack Lane shortly before 3:00 p.m. Upon arrival, they discovered Ladd and Heath with gunshot wounds.
Ladd was rushed to Tri-Star Portland Emergency Room, where she was pronounced deceased. Heath was transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center in stable condition.
The investigation quickly centered on a 17-year-old male who was known to Ladd's family and occasionally stayed at the home. According to witnesses, an argument broke out between the teenager, Ladd, and Heath. The juvenile then reportedly brandished a. 380 caliber handgun. A physical altercation ensued, during which the gun was fired.
After the shooting, the suspect fled into a wooded area behind the residence. Law enforcement officers were able to locate and apprehend him at the scene. They also recovered the handgun from a nearby creek. The teenage suspect was taken into custody and transported to the Sumner County Juvenile Detention center. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
