On May 13, 2024, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Waynesville police responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Allens Creek Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered 45-year-old Jason Abram Caldwell with multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, Caldwell was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation led to the arrest of 21-year-old Dillard Thomas Hooper, who was charged with common law murder in Caldwell's death.
Hooper was reportedly in a relationship with Caldwell's daughter and was present in the home at the time of the incident. Authorities noted that there had been a history of confrontations between Caldwell and Hooper, including a prior altercation involving a weapon.
During the initial court proceedings, Hooper admitted to the shooting but claimed it was in self-defense. However, prosecutors argued that there was no evidence of a physical altercation prior to the shooting and that Caldwell was unarmed in his own home. Concerns were also raised about Hooper being a flight risk, with suggestions that he might flee to Mexico. Consequently, the court set his bond at $3 million, and he was ordered to surrender any passports and remain within Haywood County if released.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue to gather evidence and testimonies to determine the exact circumstances leading up to the fatal shooting. Hooper's next court appearance is scheduled for May 29, 2024, where further details may emerge.
