Police charge ex-convict in Lupton City slaying

photo Jeremy Reynolds
photo Wendell Washington

A 27-year-old man who was released from prison after serving time in connection with the shooting death of a man in North Chattanooga now is accused of fatally gunning down another man in Lupton City.

Jeremy Reynolds, who was convicted of facilitation to commit second-degree murder, received an eight-year sentence in 2008. He was released in November 2012.

On May 5, Chattanooga police responded to a shooting where they found 20-year-old Wendell Washington shot to death on his front porch. Washington was shot four times in his left arm, twice in the back and once in his torso, according to a medical examiner's report.

A witness inside the residence at 3687 Northrop St. said she was opening the door for him when he closed the door and began shouting. Shots followed.

Spent .45 caliber casings were found afterward. A witness outside the residence witnessed a white SUV speed off, according to an arrest report.

A few minutes after the shooting, a white SUV dropped off Reynolds at Erlanger hospital. He'd been shot in the leg.

He also had a live .45 round in his pocket, according to an arrest report.

It's unclear what the motive is in the latest case.

Reynolds is charged with criminal homicide and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony. He remains in the Hamilton County Jail on a $550,00 bond. His next court appearance in June 4.

In 2005, Reynolds believed Harold Steven Freeman had set him up in a robbery. Reynolds arranged for Kenneth Alexander and Christian Woods, who was a juvenile at the time, to get guns and ambush Freeman at 15 Sawyer St. Reynolds accidentally shot himself in the arm during the shooting, according to newspaper archives.

Contact staff writer Beth Burger at bburger@timesfree press.com or 423-757-6406. Follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/abburger.

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