Northcott: Dearinger Not Charged In Death Of Hollis

After an almost 5 month investigation,14th Judicial District Attorney Craig Northcott said Thursday that Jeremiah Dearinger will not face charges in the shooting death of 36 year old Christopher Hollis of McMinnville in October 2021. Hollis was shot and killed October 19 on Sparta Highway.
Northcott said in a press release Thursday that the, along with the TBI, completed the investigation. The report stated that on October 24 Hollis was driving his vehicle southbound on Sparta Highway. As he passed the intersection of Shady Rest Road Dearinger pulled onto Sparta Highway cutting off Hollis. Hollis was in the left lane and ,while brandishing a firearm, signaled for Dearinger to pull over. Dearinger slowed behind Hollis with Hollis still brandishing a firearm. Dearinger called 911. While on the phone he overtook the vehicle and fired two shots. One bullet came to rest in the headset. The other traveled through the headset striking Hollis and fatally wounding him. Hollis’ handgun was found in the floorboard on the drivers side. Dearinger reported he shooting to 911 and remained on the scene until police arrived. The autopsy showed that Hollis was impaired by alcohol, marijuana and meth at the time of his death.
Northcott went on to say that the real question was: Was it self defense? Tennessee law allows the use of deadly force can be used if the person believes there is an imminent danger believed to be real and founded upon reasonable grounds. Evidence showed that he had reason to be in fear because of Hollis’ actions and because of that no charges will be brought against Dearinger. Northcott addressed if Dearinger was criminally responsible for putting Hollis’ female passenger in harm’s way. Because she was not injured no charges will be filed.
Northcott concluded that it was not a decision reached lightly and said he grieves with the family for their loss and the pain it has caused and asked for prayers and privacy for the family.