On a summer night in Clarksville, Tennessee, the life of 33-year-old Kenneth Harris was tragically cut short. On August 6, 2017, while at Callee's Too Sports Bar on Fort Campbell Boulevard, a dispute erupted that would have fatal consequences. Harris was not involved in the initial conflict but found himself in the line of fire as he tried to seek cover. The altercation involved Andrell 'A.J.' Harris and an unarmed security guard working at the bar, Tony Carl Bristol.
Witnesses reported that Andrell Harris had threatened to shoot Bristol. Bristol, who claimed his home had been shot up three weeks prior, had brought a gun to work that night for protection. During the escalating confrontation, Bristol fired his weapon, striking both Andrell Harris and Kenneth Harris. Kenneth was shot twice in the abdomen and was rushed to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Tony Carl Bristol was arrested and faced a series of serious charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The case proceeded to trial, where a Montgomery County jury heard testimony and reviewed evidence, including video footage of the incident.
During the trial, Bristol testified that he acted in self-defense, stating he was in fear for his life after being threatened. He claimed he did not intend to kill anyone. After deliberations, the jury found Tony Carl Bristol not guilty on all charges related to the death of Kenneth Harris. The verdict, while a legal conclusion, left a family and a community to grapple with the violent and untimely loss of a man who was an unintended victim.
