TENNESSEE — A man died following a shooting Wednesday night in Putnam County, officials said.
The incident was reported shortly before 8:45 p.m. along McClain Road. Authorities initially announced that the suspected shooter had been detained and the victim was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in critical condition.
The victim, 24-year-old Nicholas Rittenberry, was shot in the stomach after an argument erupted during a bonfire gathering over the whereabouts of a firearm. He later died from his injuries.
Officials said the resident of the McClain Road property was the individual who shot Rittenberry, but no arrests have been made. The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s office are investigating the incident, which “appears to be a self-defense shooting,” according to authorities.
“It is early in the investigation and investigators are still interviewing individuals who may have knowledge of the incident,” Sheriff Eddie Farris said. “After all the evidence is gathered and compiled, we will sit down with the District Attorney’s office and determine what, if any, criminal charges need to be filed.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Lt. Adrienne McCurry at 931-528-8484.
