DeKalb County is reeling after a tragic early-morning shooting on Thursday left 41-year-old Ashleigh E. McKinzie dead and an entire community searching for answers. The incident, which occurred along Captain’s Point Road near Smithville Highway, has prompted a joint investigation by local authorities and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). For many residents, the news has brought shock, sorrow, and deep concern about the violence that unfolded in their quiet community.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire in the area and arrived to find McKinzie lying in the roadway with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite their immediate efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. A loaded handgun was found nearby, though investigators have not yet revealed how it may have been involved in the shooting. A 27-year-old man was also present when deputies arrived and is said to be cooperating fully with law enforcement.
The TBI is now assisting the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office as investigators work to understand exactly what happened in the moments leading up to McKinzie’s death. Officials say no charges have been filed at this time, emphasizing that the investigation is still in its early stages. Detectives are carefully gathering physical evidence, conducting interviews, and reviewing all available information to determine whether the shooting was accidental, intentional, or tied to other circumstances that remain unclear.
Community members living near Captain’s Point Road say the violence has left them shaken. What is typically a peaceful, familiar stretch of road became the site of flashing lights, investigators, and growing fear as details slowly emerged. Many neighbors have expressed sadness for McKinzie’s family while also anxiously awaiting answers from law enforcement. Authorities have reminded the public that investigations of this nature require time and patience, as every detail must be verified to ensure an accurate understanding of the event.
Investigators are now analyzing witness statements, reviewing the crime scene, and piecing together a timeline to determine what led to the deadly encounter. They are encouraging anyone with information to come forward, noting that even small details may prove critical in reconstructing the moments before the gunfire occurred. Officials say the integrity of the investigation remains their top priority as they work toward clarity and truth.
As DeKalb County mourns the loss of Ashleigh McKinzie, residents are leaning on one another for support, holding close the memories of a life cut short far too soon. Authorities have assured the community that updates will be shared as the investigation progresses. For now, the focus remains on gathering answers and honoring the life of a woman whose sudden death has left a heartbreaking void.
