Man Pulls Gun during Argument and Kills Bystander

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Major Crimes Unit obtained multiple convictions against a man who pulled a revolver during an argument, killing a bystander.  John Rooker Deloach, 78, was convicted of Second Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, Reckless Endangerment, Employment of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Possession of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony.  Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on February 28 where Deloach faces a minimum of fifteen to twenty-five years in prison.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Jordan Murray and Jeannine Guzolek explained to the jury that on May 18, 2023, Knoxville Police Department Officers responded to a shooting at a residence on Wilderness Road.  Witnesses stated that Deloach was arguing with one of the victims when Deloach struck that victim with a walking cane.  That victim took the cane from Deloach and struck Deloach with it.  Deloach then pulled a handgun and began firing, striking a second victim who was not part of the argument.  The victim was transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center where she died from the gunshot wound.

“This is yet another example of a verbal argument ending in a shooting and an innocent bystander ending up dead,” said DA Allen.

Second Degree Murder is a Class A felony that carries a punishment between fifteen and twenty-five years in prison without the possibility of parole.  The additional counts carry sentences ranging from eight to twelve years down to one to two years.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Kim Strike aided in the prosecution of this case.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.