The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is investigating a tragic shooting incident that occurred early Sunday morning in Newport, Tennessee, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Daniel Wayne Messer. The alleged shooter, 40-year-old Eric Neil Banks, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
The Incident
According to a statement from Sheriff CJ Ball and the incident report, deputies responded to a 911 call at approximately 1:47 a.m. on Edgefield Way in Newport. Upon arrival, they discovered Messer deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The severity of the situation prompted the CCSO’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) to take over the case.
CID Captain Detective Bob Schaff and Detective Katrina Baldwin were among the first investigators on the scene. They interviewed Banks, who was present at the residence and admitted to being involved in the shooting.
Banks’ Statement to Investigators
After being advised of his rights, Banks told detectives that he had been drinking alcohol prior to the incident. He stated that he and Messer were having a conversation about firearms, during which he retrieved a .44 Magnum Ruger handgun and entered Messer’s bedroom.
Banks claimed that he was standing in the bedroom with the firearm pointed at Messer when he pulled back the hammer of the gun. He said he was attempting to release the hammer slowly when the weapon discharged, shooting Messer in the face and killing him instantly.
Evidence and Investigation
Investigators recovered the firearm at the scene, which had one spent round and five unspent rounds of ammunition in its chamber. Messer’s body was transported by the Newport Rescue Squad to the Knoxville Forensics Center, where an autopsy will be conducted to confirm the cause of death.
Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including Banks’ account of the events. While Banks claims the shooting was accidental, his actions have led to a second-degree murder charge, as the incident involved reckless and deadly behavior.
Legal Consequences
Following his arrest, Banks was transported to the Cocke County Jail, where he awaits his initial bond hearing. Second-degree murder in Tennessee is a Class A felony, carrying severe penalties, including significant prison time if convicted.
Sheriff CJ Ball emphasized the seriousness of the charge: “This is a tragic and avoidable incident. The loss of life under these circumstances is devastating for all involved. Our investigators are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice is served.”
Community Reaction
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Newport community, with residents expressing both sorrow and disbelief. Messer was known by many in the area, and his untimely death has left his family and friends mourning a life cut short.
“This is heartbreaking,” one neighbor said. “Danny was a good person, and it’s hard to believe he’s gone. I hope justice is done.”
Others in the community have pointed to the dangers of mixing alcohol and firearms, underscoring the importance of responsible gun ownership and safety practices.
Gun Safety and Responsibility
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks of handling firearms, particularly under the influence of alcohol. Firearms experts and safety advocates stress the importance of following proper gun safety protocols, including:
- Never pointing a firearm at another person, even when unloaded.
- Avoiding alcohol consumption when handling or discussing firearms.
- Ensuring firearms are properly stored to prevent accidents.
“This incident highlights how a moment of carelessness can lead to devastating consequences,” said a local firearms safety instructor. “Guns are not toys, and every precaution must be taken to ensure safety.”
Moving Forward
As the investigation continues, Messer’s family is left grappling with the unimaginable loss of a loved one. They are now awaiting the results of the autopsy and further developments in the legal proceedings against Banks.
The Cocke County community is mourning alongside them, hoping for answers and closure. For Banks, the road ahead includes a legal battle to determine his culpability in the tragic death of his friend.
How the Public Can Help
The CCSO has not indicated a need for public assistance in this case but urges residents to remain vigilant and prioritize firearm safety to prevent similar tragedies.
For now, Newport remembers Daniel Wayne Messer, a life lost too soon, as his family, friends, and the community struggle to process this heartbreaking event. The coming weeks will likely bring more clarity to the case, as investigators work to ensure justice is served.
The post Eric Neil Banks Arrested for Second-Degree Murder in the Death of Daniel Wayne Messer” first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
