Billy Forte
A man has been charged in the shooting death of his son Monday off Amnicola Highway.
Chattanooga police arriving to the scene around 7:30 p.m. at Eaves Formal Wear warehouse found 47-year-old Charles L. Forte with a gunshot wound to the head. When paramedics arrived, they pronounced him dead.
The victim's father, 66-year-old Billy Forte, was seen leaving the business, located at 910 Creekside Road, as officers arrived. A witness identified him as the shooter.
According to the witness, Billy Forte came over and had a short conversation with his son, then he went outside and returned with a .410-gauge shotgun, which he used to shoot the victim in the head. The witness said Billy Forte then chambered a second shell and fired at the victim while he lay motionless on the ground.
The witness told police that the victim was never a threat to the shooter.
Billy Forte admitted to shooting his son and shortly after he was taken into custody for criminal homicide.
His next court appearance will be on April 10 before General Sessions Judge Gary Starnes.
Family and friends took to social media on Tuesday to grieve Charles Forte's death, stating he was well-loved.
"My Brother Charles Forte, man you will be missed and Always Loved. You will ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART," Tedarell Muhammad wrote in a Facebook post.
"This should never have happened, it's a sign of The time. The book says Jesus talking. A man worse enemy will come out his own house."
Others said they'd known him for a lifetime and he would be missed dearly.
"My heart is crushed, hurt, sad all thee above. A great person, humble and heart of gold that my team enjoyed. Gone too soon," Latasha Addison wrote in another Facebook post. "I will not let you down my friend and going to represent you well. RIH Charles Forte."