A reported act of self-defense is currently under scrutiny following a confrontation that turned violent in Franklin this past Monday. Franklin Police Department officers arrived at the Discount Tobacco Outlet on W. Main St. shortly before 3 p.m., where they found 44-year-old Jeremy Scruggs with a gunshot wound to the leg. According to a city statement, Scruggs received medical attention from Vanderbilt University Medical Center and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
Investigators quickly determined the actual location of the shooting as Jewel’s Market parking lot at 1421 W. Main St. after viewing video surveillance that depicted an apparent altercation between Scruggs and D’marucs Lee, a 29-year-old Franklin resident. The video, which captured the fight, showed Lee firing a shot at Scruggs who managed to walk over to Discount Tobacco before collapsing, a sign of help in seeking first responders.
Lee gave himself up to authorities later that day. He recounted to detectives during a Franklin Police Department interview that he "was assaulted by Scruggs as he attempted to enter the store." The confrontation allegedly continued into the parking lot, where Lee attested that he "had no choice but to defend himself by using his pistol," as reported by the city's official website.
Following his statement and release from questioning, no immediate charges were pressed against Lee. A decision that is now under the microscope as the Franklin Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate the case, in addition to interviews and review of the evidence. Despite Lee's self-defense claim, each individual’s actions leading up to the shooting are being meticulously dissected, with justice awaiting a conclusion of the law's long arm.
