Askins Brothers Murder Trial Continues
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The murder trial of Samuel Askins and Caleb Askins continued in Hamilton County Criminal Court as prosecutors presented more evidence and testimony in the case related to a deadly shooting on Maryland Street in North Chattanooga in August 2023.
Police say officers responded to a shooting scene on September 28, 2023, where they found 48‑year‑old Warren Crutcher shot on his porch; he later died from his injuries.
An affidavit filed by Chattanooga police shows multiple 9mm and .45 caliber shell casings were found at the scene, and spent casings tied to the shooting were also found in a stolen Audi Q5, where four people were located by officers.
Surveillance video and police interviews also show Samuel Askins and a juvenile together before the homicide, and investigators say text messages recovered from phones helped investigators reconstruct movements that night, leading up to the shooting.
Authorities allege that Samuel Askins removed a court‑ordered ankle monitor in order to commit the shooting and that Caleb Askins was involved in conversations about moving the monitor to create a false alibi, according to the affidavit.
In court, prosecutors have continued presenting their case, including showing police body camera video and introducing pieces of physical evidence related to the events of that night.
The shooting has been described by law enforcement as part of an alleged retaliation plot tied to gang‑related activity, although specific gang evidence and its role are matters being explored in ongoing testimony.
Samuel Askins is charged with first‑degree murder and conspiracy to commit first‑degree murder, while Caleb Askins is charged with conspiracy to commit first‑degree murder and related counts, according to police and court records.
A family member of the victim provided emotional testimony about the impact of the shooting, and investigators broke down the physical evidence entered in the case in court on Wednesday.
The case continues in Hamilton County Criminal Court as both sides present evidence and testimony before the jury.
