In the early hours of a Sunday morning in downtown Johnson City, Tennessee, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace and ended the life of 18-year-old Charles Dabney of Greeneville. The incident, which occurred on September 8, 2024, also left another person injured. Dabney was a recent graduate of Greeneville High School, having just received his diploma in May of that year.
He was remembered as a bright light with an infectious smile and a protective nature, someone who was cherished as the life of the party.
The shooting took place near Majestic Park around 2 a.m., where authorities found two individuals with gunshot wounds. Both victims were rushed to a local hospital for medical attention. Tragically, Charles Dabney succumbed to his injuries at Johnson City Memorial Hospital. The second victim was treated for their injuries and subsequently released.
An investigation into the fatal shooting was immediately launched by the Johnson City Police Department. Their efforts, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, led to the apprehension of three suspects. Tyron Bland, a 34-year-old from Greene County, was taken into custody and is facing charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Two other suspects were apprehended in Asheville, North Carolina. Jayden Smith, 19, was charged with aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. The third individual, 22-year-old Katy Scruggs, also from Asheville, was arrested as an accessory after the fact. Both Smith and Scruggs are awaiting extradition to Tennessee to face the charges against them. Police have indicated that the investigation remains active and that additional charges may be filed as they continue to piece together the events that led to the untimely death of Charles Dabney.
