SMYRNA, Tenn. - Detectives with the Smyrna Police Department are investigating a fatal shooting that reportedly occurred Wednesday outside a local business following an argument. Reports indicate the incident involved the owner of a tattoo shop and an employee.

According to Smyrna Police, officers initially responded to reports of gunfire at Against the Grain Tattoo on North Lowry Street on May 13, 2026. A preliminary investigation revealed that a work-related dispute allegedly erupted between the shop owner and an employee. Authorities said the situation quickly escalated from a verbal confrontation to a physical altercation in the parking lot of the business.

Investigators reported that a second employee then became involved in the dispute in an apparent attempt to intervene and break up the fight.

As the struggle continued, one of the three individuals allegedly fired a handgun multiple times. One person sustained critical injuries during the shooting and was transported to StoneCrest Medical Center in Smyrna, where medical staff later pronounced him deceased. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim pending notification of family members.

Police said the shooter later claimed the shooting was an act of self-defense. However, investigators have not provided additional details regarding that claim and reportedly told other media outlets that evidence gathered during the investigation will likely be presented to a grand jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.

The case remains under investigation as a homicide, and no immediate charges have been announced.

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