An argument over money between siblings in Hermitage, Tennessee, escalated to violence when 20-year-old James Johnson allegedly shot his sister in the leg. The altercation occurred yesterday morning outside their mother's apartment at The Arbours of Hermitage Apartments, as reported by WSMV. Post-shooting, Johnson is said to have hidden two pistols underneath his mother's couch before falsely reporting a drive-by shooting to 911.
Johnson, accused of attempted homicide and various drug charges, was arrested after police found cocaine on him and marijuana in his vehicle. Investigators uncovered about $1800 in cash and digital scales, items that are consistent with the sale of narcotics. One of the recovered pistols had reportedly been stolen from Davidson County and appeared to have an illegal automatic switch. According to FOX 17 News, Johnson admitted to officers on the scene he sold narcotics and used the stolen pistol for protection.
Following the incident, the victim was transported to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, but she refused to cooperate with detectives. According to WSMV, as officers responded to the scene, the victim, suffering from a gunshot wound, yelled at Johnson, "Just finish me off". Security camera footage from the mother’s residence revealed the siblings arguing and Johnson brandishing the black handgun with an extended magazine in his right hand, which matched the shell casings found at the scene.
As of now, James Johnson remains jailed on a $416,000 bond. He faces charges including attempted criminal homicide, possession of a firearm with intent, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to the WSMV. Neither the MNPD nor the victim have yet to release any additional statements regarding the motive or the specifics of the financial dispute that is believed to have sparked the tragic shooting.
