JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A man previously accused of first-degree murder in Johnson County had his charge and bond amount reduced.

Kevin Proffitt originally faced charges of first-degree murder for the supposed shooting of Kirby Proffitt on September 11, 2025. According to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrived at the 800 block of Spear Branch Road and discovered that Kirby Proffitt had died from a gunshot wound.

Kevin Proffitt was arrested and held on a $1 million bond.

The district attorney’s office informed News Channel 11 on Monday that a preliminary hearing took place for the case, where a judge did not concur with the state’s assessment and downgraded the charge to second-degree murder.

Proffitt’s bond was also reduced to $250,000 despite objections from prosecutors, the district attorney’s office reports.

Proffitt’s next court date was set for Dec. 12, 2025.