A man was sentenced to 27 years in prison for the 2020 fatal shooting of a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga junior who was protecting his girlfriend during an alleged robbery.
Israel Dedekuma Ackerman, 24, dropped his head to the floor while he pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in connection with the death of Holman “Trey” Tanner III.
“My handsome, loving, caring, humble, full of life baby boy was dead,” his mother, Eileen Tanner, testified. “Trey made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Ackerman, who was originally charged with first-degree murder and facing a life sentence, made a plea deal with state prosecutors.
He was also charged with three counts of aggravated robbery and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, but those charges were dismissed per the agreement.
(READ MORE: Two arrested in March 2020 shooting death of UTC junior)
Officers responded March 19, 2020, to a report of shots fired at a home at 810 E. M.L. King Blvd., according to state prosecutors.
Multiple people were inside the residence, state prosecutors said. One man went into the living room and pointed a gun at everyone while allegedly demanding cellphones and wallets.
Tanner, 20, refused and was shot in the face while standing in front of his girlfriend. While life-saving measures were attempted, he died within seconds.
Two men then allegedly fled the scene in a white sedan.
Ackerman’s cellphone data along with witness statements placed him near or at the crime scene, state prosecutors said.
He was arrested months later with his girlfriend in Lake County, Florida, state prosecutors said. Ackerman allegedly bought fake IDs and moved from state to state in an attempt to flee from authorities.
The courtroom was filled with Tanner’s family and friends, which was a testament to his character, Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Amanda Dunn said.
Eileen Tanner testified that it was her sincere hope that Ackerman would follow a better path going forward, and she said she hoped she could find forgiveness for him. Holman Tanner’s only sibling stood beside her mother while she addressed the courtroom.
Eileen Tanner often thinks about the family’s last Thanksgiving together, she said. Holman Tanner’s father, Holman Tanner II, couldn’t speak or eat as he neared the end of his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Holman Tanner II took peace in knowing he was leaving behind his son to watch over their family, Eileen Tanner said. He had written pages after pages of notes about how to care for the family home and the people inside it.
When their son was murdered, that one solace was stolen, she said. The legacy of the family name died with him.
“I truly know Trey was there to welcome his daddy home,” Eileen Tanner said.
Ackerman’s case made its way into the courtroom about 25 times, according to the trial docket, and his mother appeared every time, Dunn said.
Jacob Demoss, Ackerman’s co-defendant, is charged with first-degree murder in connection with Tanner’s death. He is scheduled to appear June 4 in front of Dunn.
Contact Sofia Saric at ssaric@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6476.