Scott County Man Indicted on Reckless Homicide Charges in Fatal Shooting
A 19-year-old Scott County man faces reckless homicide charges after a grand jury indictment in the April shooting death of a 16-year-old.
HUNTSVILLE, TENNESSEE — A Scott County man has been indicted on multiple charges, including reckless homicide, following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 16-year-old in April, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Cole Felthoff, 19, turned himself in to authorities on June 11th after a Scott County Grand Jury returned indictments charging him with one count each of aggravated assault, aggravated assault resulting in death, and reckless homicide. He was booked into the Scott County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
The charges stem from the shooting death of Gage King, 16, which occurred on April 19th in the 100 block of Byrges Creek Road in Huntsville. TBI special agents joined the Scott County Sheriff’s Office in investigating the circumstances surrounding King’s death at the request of 8th Judicial District Attorney General Jared Effler.
Investigation Details
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation launched its probe immediately after the April incident. Investigators worked to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting of the teenager.
During their investigation, agents identified Felthoff as the person responsible for King’s death. The case was presented to the grand jury, which determined there was sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges.
Legal Proceedings
The indictment marks a development in the case, moving it from the investigative phase into the court system. Felthoff now faces three separate charges related to the incident, with reckless homicide being the most serious.
Aggravated assault and aggravated assault resulting in death are both serious felony charges in Tennessee. The reckless homicide charge indicates that prosecutors believe Felthoff’s actions, while not necessarily intentional, showed a reckless disregard for human life that resulted in King’s death.
The $50,000 bond set for Felthoff allows him to remain out of custody while the case proceeds through the court system, provided he meets the bond conditions.
According to TBI officials, the charges and allegations are accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. Felthoff is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt through due process of law.
