KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Three people are charged with murder in a shooting police say stemmed from the victim’s friend purchasing marijuana with counterfeit money.
The Knoxville News Sentinel reports 21-year-old Jorge Ortiz Gonzales and 18-year-old Cameron Christopher Brewer were arrested Tuesday. A 16-year-old boy is also in custody.
Knox County Sheriff’s Office Maj. Mike MacLean says the Oct. 10 shooting death of 19-year-old Cameron Smith was related to Smith’s friend, Lucas Halliburton, buying $80 of marijuana from Ortiz with fake money Oct. 6. MacLean says Smith was likely unaware of the deal.
MacLean says Ortiz tried to lure Halliburton to a house to get his money back. Smith drove Halliburton and sped away when they felt something was amiss, leading to a car chase and the shooting.
It’s unclear if the men have lawyers.