Sentencing next for Myles Stout (with video)

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Attorney Hank Hill leads defendant Myles Stout out of Judge Barry Steelman's courtroom Monday afternoon. A jury returned verdicts on three charges against Stout, finding him not guilty of second-degree murder, but guilty on charges of reckless homicide and reckless endangerment. Stout shot and killed Myles Compton in March 2011.
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A 21-year-old faces a prison sentence of two to four years after a jury found him guilty of reckless homicide in the shooting death of an 18-year-old.

The jury deliberated 21/2 hours Tuesday at the end of a five-day trial before finding Myles Stout, 21, not guilty of the original charge of second-degree murder, which carries a 15- to 25-year sentence.

The jury also found Stout guilty of reckless endangerment but a sentence on that charge likely will run concurrently to the first sentence. A sentencing hearing is scheduled Nov. 5 before Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Barry Steelman.

Stout is free on bond.

Stout's attorney, Hank Hill, said a video of his client's interview with police shortly after the March 9, 2011, shooting was crucial.

"Mr. Stout got a chance to tell his story," Hill said.

In the video, Stout first lies to the investigator, saying that Compton shot himself, but later confesses he pulled the trigger, not knowing the .40-caliber Sig Sauer handgun was loaded.

The bullet entered Compton's chest, and he died moments later.

Prosecutor Lance Pope said after the verdict that he was confident all the evidence was put before the jurors and they had to make a tough decision.

"I think the jury's outcome is a reasonable outcome and the district attorney's office appreciates their hard work," Pope said.

Under Tennessee Department of Correction guidelines, Stout could be eligible for parole in eight months to 14 months, depending on his sentence.

Witnesses testified that Stout was at 9125 Stoney Mountain Drive, the home of Kevin Driscoll, when Kevin West and Myles Stout came to visit. Daniel Finley and Amanda Freeman were also at the house at the time of the shooting.

Driscoll got out the Sig Sauer and a Smith & Wesson 9 mm handgun to show the guests and unloaded them before passing them around. A short time later, Stout picked up the Sig Sauer, pointed it into Compton's chest and fired.

Contact staff writer Todd South at 423-757-6347 or tsouth@timesfreepress.com.