The jury has reached a verdict in the trial of former Grundy County Deputy Mike Holmes.
Holmes has been found guilty of criminally negligent homicide. The jury believes Holmes’ gunshot was what killed 20-year-old Shelby Comer in 2017 – not a drug overdose, as had been argued by his defense.
This conviction means the jury did not think Holmes’ actions amounted to reckless homicide, which was the more serious charge he faced.
Deputy Mike Holmes was originally charged with voluntary manslaughter, but on Wednesday, the judge said that charge would not apply in the trial. Instead, the jury can consider reckless homicide or criminally negligent homicide.
Holmes’ sentencing has been scheduled for April 3.
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December 23, 2017, Grundy County Deputy Michael Holmes attempted to stop a vehicle. The driver, Jackie Wayne Bean spun the car around in the roadway as Holmes approached the vehicle. Bean allegedly showed a firearm and pointed it at Holmes. Holmes reportedly fired at the vehicle multiple times as Bean drove away.
Later in the night, the vehicle was located with Comer’s body inside.
In May 2019, Bean struck a plea deal with the District attorney after agreeing to testify on behalf of the state in another case. He pled to reckless endangerment and was released from jail on probation.
A month later Bean was arrested in another case for aggravated sexual battery and false imprisonment of a child.
A Tennessee Medical Examiner listed the cause of death of Comer as a gunshot wound to the torso.