COPPERHILL, Tenn. — Authorities say Buell Cody Thomason, 39, was shot and killed on Friday evening by his girlfriend, 51-year-old Rhonda G. Deal, following a domestic dispute at the 200 block of Grassy Creek Road.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that at approximately 8:30 p.m., deputies responded to a call regarding a shooting. Upon arrival, they found Thomason with a shotgun wound to the face near the walkway of the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Circumstances of the Shooting
Investigators determined that the shooting occurred following an argument between Thomason and Deal. According to authorities, the couple had been disputing Thomason’s use of a bag belonging to another person in the home to carry his personal items, approximately 30 minutes before the shooting.
Through interviews at the scene, investigators say Deal admitted to firing a single-shot .410 shotgun, which caused Thomason’s fatal injuries.
Legal Action
Deal was immediately taken into custody and has been charged with First Degree Murder. She is currently being held at the Polk County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Thomason’s body was transported to the Knoxville Regional Forensic Center for an autopsy, which will provide additional details about the fatal injuries.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that domestic disputes can quickly turn deadly and urged residents to seek help or intervention before conflicts escalate. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting to determine if additional charges or legal action may be warranted.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of how quickly disagreements in the home can escalate to violence, underscoring the importance of conflict resolution and awareness of domestic violence resources.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
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