CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Chattanooga Man Arrested and Charged with Murder Following Fatal Shooting on North Hickory Street
In a tragic incident that has rocked the community, 34-year-old Demontra Quintez Collins has been arrested and charged with criminal homicide in connection with the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Jamel Daeshun Sutton. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, May 14, 2025, in the 1200 block of North Hickory Street, a residential area in Chattanooga that was the scene of a violent exchange between the two men.
According to the Chattanooga Police Department, the shooting stemmed from a dispute between Collins and Sutton, which had begun several days earlier and ultimately culminated in gunfire. This tragic event underscores ongoing concerns about escalating violence in the area, leaving residents shaken and prompting calls for increased efforts to address the city’s gun violence.
The Chain of Events Leading to the Fatal Shooting
The shooting unfolded shortly after 3:30 p.m. when officers responded to the scene on North Hickory Street after receiving reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, police found Jamel Sutton lying behind an apartment building, suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso. Paramedics quickly transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Less than 15 minutes after police were dispatched to the scene, Collins reportedly called 911, informing dispatchers that he and Sutton had “just shot at each other.” Officers soon located Collins, who was at the scene, and he was promptly detained. In his initial statements to investigators, Collins revealed that he had been involved in a previous dispute with Sutton, which had begun three days earlier.
The Altercation: A Dispute That Escalated
Collins told law enforcement that on the day of the shooting, as he was driving down North Hickory Street, he spotted Sutton standing outside a parked vehicle. Witnesses who were at the scene later stated that Sutton appeared to be adjusting a child’s car seat when the confrontation occurred.
Collins claimed that when he saw Sutton, he believed the younger man was reaching into the vehicle to retrieve a firearm. In response, Collins stated that he exited his vehicle with his own semi-automatic firearm already in hand.
The affidavit notes that Collins then approached Sutton, who appeared unarmed at that moment. Collins later stated that he did not see a weapon on Sutton until after the two men were engaged in the exchange of gunfire.
The Gunfight: Ballistic Evidence and the Course of Fire
While investigators have yet to determine definitively who fired the first shot, ballistic evidence has painted a clearer picture of the events. The investigation revealed that Sutton, who had a 9mm pistol, discharged two rounds during the confrontation. Collins, however, is believed to have fired approximately 12 rounds from his Draco-style semi-automatic firearm, a weapon often associated with high-capacity firepower.
Witnesses and evidence indicate that the situation quickly escalated from an argument into a deadly exchange of gunfire. Collins’ weapon of choice—a Draco, often used in aggressive situations due to its powerful rounds—highlighted the severity of the confrontation.
Collins’ Actions and the Investigation
After the shooting, Collins allegedly retrieved the weapon he had used in the incident and handed it over to officers when approached by law enforcement. During his initial interview with police, Collins admitted to the earlier argument with Sutton, which he claimed had occurred three days prior to the shooting.
However, when detectives questioned Collins about why he chose to confront Sutton with a weapon, especially when he could have avoided the situation by continuing to drive away, Collins declined to answer further questions and ended the interview. This refusal to cooperate fully with authorities has raised further questions about the motivations behind his actions and has been noted by investigators as a significant point in the ongoing probe.
The Aftermath: Charges, Investigation, and Community Impact
Following his arrest, Collins was booked into the Hamilton County Jail and is currently being held on charges of criminal homicide in connection with the death of Jamel Sutton. The charge comes as part of an investigation that is still ongoing, with law enforcement continuing to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and evaluating the circumstances surrounding the dispute.
The community of Chattanooga, particularly the North Hickory Street area, is reeling from the violence, which has raised concerns about rising gun violence in the city. Residents and local leaders are calling for more to be done to address the underlying issues that lead to such deadly encounters and to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future.
Calls for Action Amid Escalating Gun Violence
This incident is the latest in a series of violent events that have plagued Chattanooga in recent years, sparking urgent discussions about gun violence, public safety, and the need for preventative measures. Community leaders have called for increased law enforcement efforts, stronger gun control initiatives, and a greater focus on conflict resolution to help curtail the growing violence that affects neighborhoods like Upper Hickory Street.
As police continue their investigation, there are hopes that this case will lead to broader discussions about gun violence, its impact on local communities, and the measures that can be taken to address it. Many in the community are calling for a renewed focus on mental health services, community outreach programs, and education initiatives that aim to prevent violence before it occurs.
Remembering Jamel Sutton: A Life Cut Short
As the investigation continues, the family and friends of Jamel Daeshun Sutton are left to grieve the tragic loss of a young man whose life was taken too soon. Sutton was described by those who knew him as a kind and generous individual with a bright future ahead of him. His death has sent shockwaves through the local community, and his loved ones are now seeking justice in the wake of his untimely passing.
In the coming days, a memorial service is expected to be held to honor Sutton’s life, and many in Chattanooga are expected to come together in support of his family and to reflect on the senseless violence that took his life.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic death of Jamel Sutton, as well as the arrest of Demontra Quintez Collins, has once again highlighted the urgent need to address the issue of gun violence in Chattanooga. As investigations into the shooting continue, the broader community is left to reflect on the painful realities of escalating violence, the devastating impact it has on families, and the difficult road ahead toward healing and reconciliation.
The police department is urging anyone with further information regarding the incident to come forward, and community leaders are working hard to support those affected by this tragedy. The hope is that, together, the community will find a way to prevent future violence and ensure that the legacy of those lost is honored in a way that fosters unity, understanding, and peace.