A quiet evening in Portland, Tennessee, took a tragic turn on February 22, 2025, at a home on Founders Lane, leading to the untimely death of 19-year-old Austin Dill. The young man, known for his ability to brighten any room and make others feel valued, was fatally shot at the residence. He was quickly transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries the following day, February 23, 2025.
His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his family and the close-knit Portland community, who remember him as a generous and warm-hearted individual always ready to lend a helping hand.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, those present at the scene claimed that Austin had accidentally shot himself. However, this initial account began to unravel as the investigation progressed. The Medical Examiner's office ultimately ruled his death a homicide, which shifted the focus of the police inquiry. This crucial determination prompted investigators to dig deeper into the events that transpired that evening on Founders Lane.
The investigation took a significant turn when three witnesses came forward to provide new statements at the police station. Their accounts contradicted the initial claims of an accidental shooting and instead pointed to another individual as the one who fired the fatal shot. This new information led authorities to 20-year-old Trevor Ethan Choate. Faced with the witness testimonies, Choate confessed to the crime and turned himself in to the authorities. He was subsequently arrested and charged with reckless homicide in connection with Austin Dill's death and was booked into the Sumner County jail. The community, shaken by the loss of a young life, has rallied around Austin's family, creating a GoFundMe campaign that raised a significant amount to help with medical and funeral expenses. His friends also organized a car show to honor his memory, a testament to his passion for cars, especially his Camaro.
