Police Investigate Fatal Shooting

Police in New Hope and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation are interviewing several people in connection with a shooting that leaves one man dead.

New Hope Police Chief John Griffen said 48-year-old Kenneth D. Gibson was fatally shot late Tuesday at a mobile home on Lake View Drive, formerly Hog Jaw Valley Road.

Griffen identified the shooter as Brandon Smith, who has not been arrested or charged with a crime as of late Wednesday. Griffen said at this time the shooting is being treated as accidental, but as information develops the case could lead to charges.

There is no evidence any one in the house was playing with a gun, or engaged in any games like Russian Roulette, nor is there any evidence to suggest drinking or fighting was involved.

Griffen said Gibson was dating Smith's mother, Grace Smith, but is not sure about the circumstances just prior to the shooting.

Smith is not giving police any statements, saying he wants to talk to a lawyer first according to Griffen.

Griffen added there were two women present when the shooting occurred and they did give statements, but the details of those statements are not being released.

Information gathered during the investigation will be presented to the Marion County District Attroney's Office, which will decide whether criminal charges will be filed.