Jerry A. Carden Jr. : “5 Charged with Attempted Murder in August 2023 Assault | WJHL”

Carter County, Tenn. Residents Arrested for Attempted Murder

Five individuals from Carter County, Tennessee, were arrested over the weekend and charged with the attempted murder of a man in August 2023. The Carter County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) announced the arrests in a news release, revealing that the suspects were indicted by a county grand jury.

Charges and Suspects

The following individuals were charged in connection with the assault:

• Jerry A. Carden Jr., 33, of Elizabethton, faces charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault (weapon), tampering with evidence, and filing a false report.
• Meesha Brieanne Williams, 32, of Elizabethton, is charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, aggravated assault (weapon), tampering with evidence, and filing a false report.
• Kelvin Lynn Bradley Jr., 24, of Elizabethton, faces charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault (weapon).
• Daniel A. Shearl, 19, of Elizabethton, is charged with conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault (weapon).
• Jeffery Scott Brooks Jr., 21, of Johnson City, faces charges of conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, and aggravated assault (weapon).

Assault Incident

The investigation began on Aug. 19, 2023, when deputies responded to the Stoney Creek community following reports of an assault. They found a 29-year-old man with a severe head injury, unable to speak. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Family members received a distressed call from the victim, prompting them to find him at Wilbur Dam Road boat ramp. They then took him to the Carter County EMS station for medical attention.

The victim’s mother informed authorities that her son had been attacked by multiple individuals using a baseball bat, brass knuckles, and a cast iron skillet. The victim identified the attackers to his family members.

At the scene, authorities discovered the victim’s vehicle, a pool of blood, and a broken cast iron skillet. Medical staff later confirmed that the victim had suffered a skull fracture.

Arrests and Bonds

On May 8, 2024, indictments were issued against Carden, Williams, Bradley, Shearl, and Brooks. Carden and Williams were arrested on May 11, while Bradley, Shearl, and Brooks were arrested on May 12. They were released on a $25,000 bond each, except for Shearl who remains in custody at the Carter County Detention Center.