Chattanooga Jury Delivers Guilty Verdict in 2020 Drive-By Shooting Case
In a significant turn of events, a Hamilton County jury made a decisive call on Thursday evening, finding two men guilty of first-degree murder stemming from a tragic drive-by shooting that shook the Southside of Chattanooga back in 2020. The individuals, Tremaine Dillard and Tyqurerio Malone, were also found guilty of attempted first-degree murder and reckless endangerment.
After roughly two hours of deliberation, the jury handed down their verdicts, which led to both men receiving life sentences. In Tennessee, this means a minimum of 51 years in prison for their involvement in a crime that not only claimed a life but also injured another.
The Incident
The drive-by shooting occurred on June 22, 2020, and was reputedly linked to gang activities. The prosecution argued that the shooting was a “crime of opportunity,” with Gang and Violent Crime Prosecutor Austin Scofield remarking, “You want to shoot some Bloods. That’s the place to do it.”
During this chilling incident, Robert Dowdy, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, lost his life. Meanwhile, Brandon Rakestraw sustained serious injuries but managed to survive. It became clear in the courtroom that gang factors played a significant role in this crime, as both Dillard and Malone were believed to be tied to a rival gang.
The Context of the Shooting
On the day of the shooting, Chattanooga police were already on high alert, providing surveillance during the funeral of Derrick McKinney, who was associated with a local gang and recently shot. Investigator Zack Crawford testified that he was monitoring the funeral via city surveillance cameras, which are strategically placed in high-crime neighborhoods.
As Crawford kept an eye on events, reports of a shooting at Nine Brothers—a convenience store notorious for gang activity—came in. The graphic video footage played during the trial showed a man pointing a gun out the window towards a group of individuals gathered outside the store, many of whom were wearing memorial shirts for McKinney.
Details from the Trial
Chattanooga police Sgt. Josh May testified about the aftermath and impact of the shooting. He noted Rakestraw’s notorious reputation within local gang circles, labeling him as having a “very hot name in the city.” The trial revealed that just minutes before the shooting, Montrell Franklin live-streamed a video where he, alongside Dillard and Malone, can be seen smoking, singing, and brandishing firearms.
Defense and Subsequent Trials
Defending Malone, attorney Wencke West attempted to highlight gaps in the prosecution’s case, arguing that officers had made mistakes during identifications. With Rakestraw not testifying and no eyewitnesses to corroborate the events, West claimed the jury should question the circumstantial evidence presented.
As this chapter closes, Franklin and another associate, Eric Sims, are also facing first-degree murder charges due to their involvement. Franklin’s trial is set for November 6, while Sims will be in court on April 7 next year. Clearly, the ripple effects of this tragic event continue to unfold in the Chattanooga community.
Conclusion
The verdict delivered on Thursday marks a critical moment in addressing gang violence and the implications in Chattanooga, echoing the importance of community safety and justice. As the court proceedings move forward with other defendants, the hope remains that steps taken today can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
