In an act of familial protection that tragically turned fatal, 23-year-old Samuel James Mitchell III, an African American man, was killed on the night of March 15, 2017. The incident unfolded in East Knoxville at a residence on Alice Street, where Mitchell had gone to defend his paternal grandmother from domestic abuse. Known affectionately as 'Trey,' he was a graduate of Hardin Valley Academy and was remembered as a proud member of its football team.
Witnesses reported that Mitchell
confronted 53-year-old Lebarron Cade regarding the physical abuse of Mitchell's grandmother. The confrontation escalated, leading Mitchell to draw a gun and demand that Cade leave the premises. A struggle for the weapon ensued between the two men. During the altercation, Cade allegedly forced the gun towards Mitchell's head, causing it to discharge. Mitchell sustained a single gunshot wound behind his left ear and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the incident, law enforcement took Lebarron Cade into custody. He was subsequently charged with voluntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Samuel James Mitchell III and was held on a $50,000 bond. The case brought local attention to the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Mitchell was survived by his daughter, parents, siblings, and other family members. His funeral was held at the Eternal Life Harvest Center, and he was laid to rest at New Gray Cemetery.
