Left: Demontra Collins (Hamilton County Jail). Right: Jamel Sutton (Hardwick Funeral Home).
A Tennessee detective reportedly testified that a homicide suspect was pretty straightforward after shooting a man earlier this year.
“I”m coming in,” the suspect allegedly said during a phone call, adding that the victim “ain’t coming back.”
Demontra Collins, 34, faces charges of criminal homicide for the killing of Jamel Sutton, aged 27, on May 14 in Chattanooga. Officers responded to a shooting incident shortly before 4 p.m. on the 1200 block of North Hickory Street, as detailed in a press release. Upon arrival, police found Sutton with gunshot injuries, and he was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
Investigators found that Sutton was securing a child’s car seat in his vehicle when Collins drove by and noticed him. The two men, who allegedly had ongoing disputes, reportedly exchanged gunfire after Collins stopped and approached Sutton. Sutton was struck by the bullets, while Collins was unharmed, as mentioned by authorities. Afterward, Collins drove to another location and contacted the police, asserting he acted in self-defense.
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But cops arrested Collins on a criminal homicide charge.
Recently, a judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to progress the case to a higher court, according to official records. As reported by Chattanoogan.com, a detective testified in court that Collins stated over the phone after the incident, “I’m coming in,” indicating the victim “ain’t coming back.”
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The victim and his girlfriend reportedly worked with Collins at a club. She said Sutton picked her up, as well as her children, all under the age of 4, and drove to a house where the shooting eventually occurred. Sutton was fiddling with the car seat when Collins suddenly appeared in a white Jeep, per Chattanoogan.com. Collins reportedly hopped out of the Jeep with a gun in his hand and started firing.
Cops reportedly said Collins squeezed off as many as 12 rounds, while Sutton fired twice.
Collins’ attorney said a couple of days before the shooting, Sutton pointed a gun at his client. The attorney reportedly said his client thought Sutton was reaching for a gun in the car when he drove by.
None of the kids were injured.
The defendant posted a $250,000 bond and is currently on house arrest.
