In the spring of 2014, a violent encounter on a street in East Chattanooga ended the life of 22-year-old DeSean Pierce. A Black male, Pierce sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the evening of May 21st on Appling Street, not far from Glass Street. He died at the scene. Another man, 24-year-old Christopher Brown, also suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the incident and was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.
In the immediate aftermath,
Pierce's family expressed their grief and frustration, stating they were desperate for answers and more communication from the police. His mother, Lashun Pierce, rushed to the scene after a neighbor reported hearing gunshots. Family members described DeSean as someone who was working to turn his life around and had recently started a new job. They stated he didn't have problems with anyone in the neighborhood where the shooting occurred, just a few blocks from his home.
The investigation by the Chattanooga Police Department determined that the events leading to Pierce's death began when he opened fire on two other men, identified as Derrick Ruffin and Ivan Hill. In response to being fired upon, Ivan Hill returned fire, striking Pierce multiple times. Following their investigation, authorities ruled that the homicide of DeSean Pierce was justified. Consequently, the case was closed, and no arrests were made in connection with his death.
