NEWPORT, Tenn. – A Newport man is facing a second-degree murder charge after a deadly shooting early Sunday morning. The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call at a home off Edgefield Way around 2 a.m., where they found 35-year-old Daniel Messer dead from an apparent gunshot wound.
Sheriff CJ Ball reported that investigators spoke with 40-year-old Eric Banks, who claimed he and Messer had been discussing firearms when he retrieved a .44 magnum Ruger. Banks said he then went to Messer’s bedroom, where he cocked the gun. As he attempted to slowly release the hammer while aiming it at Messer, the gun unexpectedly discharged, striking Messer in the face.
Banks, who admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the incident, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. Messer’s body was transported to the Knoxville Forensics Center for an autopsy.
Sheriff Ball expressed condolences for the family of the victim, asking for prayers during their time of loss. Banks will appear before Judge Mark Strange for a bond hearing, where his bond amount will be determined.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
