Fatal Nightclub Shooting Trial Day Three
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Jurors in Chattanooga followed the unfolding events of a fatal nightclub shooting as testimony continued in the trial of 32-year-old Melvin Evans, accused of killing 28-year-old Kenneth Trammell Jr. outside a nightclub.
Investigators first testified that Evans’ cellphone was tracked at or near his Glenwood residence shortly before 4 a.m., helping establish a timeline of his potential movements after the shooting.
Experts noted that while phone location data can vary by carrier, the pings corresponded with the early morning hours following the deadly incident.
Jasmine Johnson, a TBI firearms expert and Special Agent, then detailed the shell casings and bullet recovered at the scene.
Johnson stated that 19 cartridges and one bullet were recovered, covering multiple calibers including .40 S&W, 9mm, and .45 auto.
She explained that more than four firearms could have been involved, but the distance from the shooter to Trammell could not be determined because the weapons themselves were unavailable to her for testing.
Next, Hamilton County Medical Examiner Dr. Steven G. Cogswell detailed the fatal injuries sustained by Kenneth Trammell Jr.
One bullet, associated with Gunshot Wound A, was never recovered after entering the abdomen. Another bullet (Gunshot Wound B) passed through his arm into the chest, severely damaging the heart and lungs.
Dr. Cogswell said the wounds were consistent with shots possibly fired from a vehicle, though other scenarios could not be ruled out
Finally, retired TBI Special Agent James Russ Davis testified about gunshot primer residue (GSR) on evidence collected in the case.
Davis stated he examined a hoodie, shoes, pants, and parts of a vehicle. GSR was found only on the hoodie, with multiple particles on the right front and left sides, totaling 13 particles.
No residue was found on the shoes, pants, or vehicle parts.
Davis explained that gunshot primer residue appears when a person fires a gun, handles a firearm, or is very close to a discharged weapon.
He noted that cleaning or distance could prevent residue from appearing.
The state has now rested its case, and court is set to resume tomorrow morning at 9:00am for closing arguments before the jury begins deliberation in the trial of Melvin Evans.
