Three men were charged with first-degree murder Wednesday in connection with a June 29 shooting that left one man dead and another injured, according to a Chattanooga police report.
Harold “Bam” Butler III, John “Cut Throat” Simpson and Unjolee Moore were charged with attempted aggravated robbery and first-degree murder in the death of Bernard Hughes, 46, of 4417 Oakwood Drive, police said.
Mr. Moore, the accused getaway driver, also faces an aggravated robbery charge, records show.
Mr. Simpson also was charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the shooting of Mr. Hughes’ friend, Timothy Westfield, 45, according to the report.
Mr. Westfield, who was shot in the hand, “is fine,” Chattanooga Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Jerri Weary said.
The trial date for all three is scheduled for July 19, Officer John Walker said.
Mr. Hughes was shot and killed after answering the door to his home, according to the report.
According to witnesses, when Mr. Hughes opened his door, he was met by two masked men who pointed a gun at him, then came inside to rob him, police said.
During the robbery, Mr. Hughes grabbed one of robber’s guns and a struggle ensued, according to the report.
Mr. Westfield, who was visiting Mr. Hughes at his apartment in British Woods Apartments, tried to help Mr. Hughes, and the masked men shot both of them, police said.
The attackers left in either a gold or tan vehicle, police said.
Initially, police said, they had no suspect information. Sgt. Weary said she couldn’t disclose information about what led police to obtain a warrant for the three men, other than to say it was “investigative work.”
“We can’t play our hand to criminals into every little thing that we do,” she said.
All three men were being held Wednesday in the Hamilton County Jail.
Mr. Butler’s bond on all charges he faces was set at $500,000, Mr. Moore’s was $400,000, and Mr. Simpson had a $400,000 bond along with a charge that carries no bond, Officer Walker said.
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