In the small town of Hillsboro, Tennessee, the life of 22-year-old Katrina Lynn Blackburn was tragically cut short on September 14, 2023. A native of Coffee County, the young, white female was found deceased in her residence on A Street, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Deputies from the Coffee County Sheriff's Department discovered her body after responding to a report of a shooting.
The investigation into her death quickly led to a suspect who was present at the
scene. James Garrett Lyon II, 27-years-old, who lived with Blackburn, was taken into custody. Lyon claimed to authorities that the firearm discharged accidentally as he was attempting to unload it. Following an investigation by the Coffee County Sheriff's Office and the 14th Judicial District Attorney's Office, Lyon was arrested and charged with reckless homicide and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He had prior felony charges from Michigan.
Further details emerged revealing a troubled history between the couple, who shared a nine-month-old daughter. Records indicated that Blackburn had previously sought legal protection from Lyon. In May 2023, she had pressed charges for domestic assault against him after an incident where he reportedly threw her to the ground. However, these charges were dismissed just three days before her death because she had missed several court appearances. Lyon was held on a $125,000 bond.
Katrina was remembered as a devoted mother who cherished time with her children. Employed by Amazon, she had a passion for arts and crafts, painting, sports, cooking, and reading. Her sudden and violent death sent shockwaves through the community, leaving behind a grieving family, including her young daughter.
