In the early hours of a Sunday morning in Newport, Tennessee, the life of 35-year-old Daniel Wayne Messer was tragically cut short. On January 19, 2025, authorities responded to a call on Edgefield Way and discovered Messer deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The male victim's death would soon lead to a murder charge against a man who was with him at the time.
According to the Cocke County Sheriff's Office, 40-year-old Eric Banks was at the residence when the shooting occurred.
Banks told investigators that he and Messer had been discussing firearms. Banks stated that he brought a. 44 Magnum Ruger into Messer's bedroom. He claimed that after pulling the hammer back, he was attempting to slowly release it while the weapon was pointed at Messer. The firearm discharged, striking Messer in the face.
Banks, who admitted to having been drinking alcohol prior to the incident, was taken into custody. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder in connection with Daniel Messer's death. Following the initial investigation, Messer's body was sent to the Knoxville Forensics Center for an autopsy. Banks was awaiting a bond hearing to be set.
Daniel Messer was a father of three children. His obituary described him as a talented musician who could play any instrument he picked up and had a beautiful singing voice. He was also remembered for his sense of humor and contagious laugh. He had recently rededicated his life to his faith and his testimony was shared in churches throughout the county.
