Askins Brothers Verdict Reached
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A jury has reached guilty verdicts in the cases of Caleb and Samuel Askins, who were accused in a series of shootings that targeted homes connected to Chelsea Phelps, her family, and Christian Wood, a well-known member of the Gangster Disciples gang in Chattanooga.
During the attacks, one man, Warren Crutcher, was killed, and people, including children, were inside the homes that were struck.
Samuel Askins was found guilty of premeditated first-degree murder with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm with intent to employ it in the commission of first-degree murder.
His conviction carries a life sentence with the possibility of parole.
Caleb Askins was found guilty on multiple charges related to the shootings.
His convictions include aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, aggravated assault, and three counts of facilitation of reckless endangerment by discharging a firearm within a motor vehicle at three separate addresses.
During the trial, evidence presented linked both brothers to the attacks.
This included witness testimony describing events at the time of the shootings, cell phone records, and GPS data confirming locations consistent with the incidents.
The evidence showed that both brothers were connected to the planning and execution of the attacks across multiple homes.
The shootings occurred at three separate locations, resulting in significant danger to residents and drawing scrutiny from law enforcement as investigators worked to connect the events to the suspects.
The trial examined all of this evidence and testimony over nearly two weeks, allowing the jury to assess the circumstances and determine the outcomes for each brother.
The verdict concludes the trial, providing formal accountability for the violent acts and establishing the legal consequences for both Caleb and Samuel Askins.
Sentencing for both brothers is scheduled for May 18, when the court will determine the specific penalties for Caleb and enforce the mandatory sentence for Samuel.
