– Deputies fatally shoot homeowner during search for brother-in-law
– Lawsuit claims deputies killed homeowner in botched raid for brother-in-law.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A tragic incident unfolded in Tennessee as law enforcement officers shot and killed a homeowner during a raid while seeking his brother-in-law. The brother-in-law, who was staying at the house, was the target of the raid. The homeowner, identified as David Wright, was fatally shot in the evening of May 12, 2023, in a joint operation conducted by the Sevierville Police Department and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office.
Following the devastating event, Vickie Wright, the wife of the deceased, has filed an $8 million wrongful death lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. The lawsuit names Sevier County, the city of Sevierville, and six law enforcement officers allegedly involved in the raid.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The incident began with an attempt by a Sevierville Police Department officer to pull over Vickie Wright’s brother, Daryl Higdon, who was accused of driving with a suspended license. Higdon fled from the officer, leading to a pursuit that was later called off due to traffic conditions. Subsequently, a joint operation was organized to apprehend Higdon, who was residing with his sister and brother-in-law.
During the raid on the Wrights’ residence, law enforcement officers encountered Higdon on the back porch, who then retreated inside the house. As officers approached the front door and demanded entry, David Wright opened the door, and Higdon retrieved a shotgun, pointing it towards the ceiling. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Higdon refused, resulting in a confrontation that escalated into gunfire.
Amidst the chaos, the Wrights sought refuge in their bedroom as shots were exchanged between the officers and Higdon. Vickie Wright alleges that law enforcement officers fired indiscriminately into their home, putting their lives at risk. Following the cessation of gunfire, a deputy allegedly shot David Wright in the head, leading to his tragic death.
Legal Actions and Investigations
After the fatal shooting, Vickie Wright was handcuffed and placed in a police car without receiving medical attention, despite sustaining injuries from the incident. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation conducted an investigation into the matter, with the Sevier County District Attorney’s Office ultimately concluding that the deputy mistook Higdon for David Wright during the confrontation.
Despite the findings, none of the law enforcement officers involved in the raid have faced disciplinary action or charges. In her lawsuit, Vickie Wright highlights the lack of effective coordination and communication between the agencies involved, citing inadequate training and a failure to uphold constitutional rights.
The lawsuit seeks $5 million in compensatory damages for David Wright’s death and $3 million for Vickie Wright’s injuries. The tragic incident has raised concerns about police conduct and accountability in Sevier County, Tennessee.
Sevier County is located in eastern Tennessee, approximately 30 miles southeast of Knoxville. The lawsuit underscores the need for improved training and communication among law enforcement agencies to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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1. Deputies kill homeowner during raid seeking brother-in-law
2. Wife says in $M lawsuit.
