In the early morning hours of June 28, 2020, tragedy struck a home on Jackman Road in Joelton, TN, ending the life of 54-year-old Jerry Birdwell. A male, Birdwell was fatally shot in his own bedroom in a violent encounter that also left his girlfriend, Tammy Cornwell, injured. The alleged assailant was a familiar face, Birdwell's own uncle, 77-year-old William 'Kenny' Gardner, who lived at the same residence.
The incident unfolded around 5 a.m.
when Gardner reportedly forced his way into Birdwell's bedroom and opened fire, striking his nephew in the chest and neck. Cornwell, who was 55 at the time, was also wounded in the arm during the attack. Following the shooting, Gardner fled the scene, prompting a search by law enforcement.
Gardner was apprehended a short time later near the Madison Precinct. He was subsequently charged with criminal homicide for the death of his nephew and attempted murder for the injuries sustained by Cornwell. According to Birdwell's girlfriend, there had been previous disputes between the couple and Gardner. In the wake of the tragic event, friends and family remembered Jerry Birdwell as a kind and caring man who was friendly to everyone he met. William 'Kenny' Gardner was taken into custody and awaited legal proceedings for the charges brought against him.
