NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A violent domestic dispute in Nashville turned deadly when a man was shot and killed while trying to protect his pregnant cousin. The suspect, 29-year-old Tony Wray, has been arrested and charged with criminal homicide and domestic assault, according to police.
The incident began with an argument between Wray and his pregnant girlfriend at a residence in North Nashville. Police say the dispute escalated when Wray allegedly began choking the woman after she confronted him about text messages he had exchanged with another woman. Fearing for her safety, she called her cousin, 28-year-old Charqwan Howse, for help.
Howse arrived at the scene in an effort to defuse the situation and protect his cousin. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control. According to investigators, Wray retrieved a firearm during the confrontation and shot Howse. When emergency crews arrived, they found Howse critically injured. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Wray was taken into custody shortly after the shooting. In addition to the murder and assault charges, police say Wray also threatened to harm his own mother during the incident, warning her not to get involved. Authorities say this threat underscores the volatility of the situation and the danger posed to others in the home.
Family members are mourning the loss of Howse, who is being remembered as a brave and loyal man who stepped in to help a loved one in danger. “He was just trying to protect his cousin,” one relative said. “He didn’t deserve this.” Community members have also expressed outrage and sadness over the tragic loss, calling for increased awareness of domestic violence and better protections for victims.
Wray remains in custody at the Davidson County Jail as the investigation continues. Police are gathering additional witness statements and reviewing evidence to build their case. The victim’s family has asked for privacy as they grieve the sudden and devastating loss.
Authorities are urging anyone experiencing domestic violence to reach out for help before situations turn deadly. Resources such as hotlines, shelters, and intervention services are available around the clock. This heartbreaking incident serves as another reminder of the real and often fatal dangers of domestic abuse.
