Charge dismissed in Tunnel Boulevard slaying

photo Langdon Strickland

A prosecutor has dismissed charges against the only man arrested in a 2012 shooting that left a man dead on Tunnel Boulevard.

Langdon Strickland, 30, saw first-degree murder and aggravated assault charges dismissed Monday, a year and a half after the death.

Strickland's attorney Bill Speek said Thursday that his client maintained his innocence throughout the process. Prosecutor Cameron Williams said there were no witnesses who could identify who was in a silver Nissan Sentra seen following the victim, Darrell Lane, on Aug. 5, 2012, moments before he died.

In a hearing last year, Speek said evidence showed there was gunplay inside of the car and speculated that another man inside the car that night -- Jamel Parker -- might have more information.

Williams would not comment further on the case. saying it is an open investigation.

Chattanooga police investigator Chris Blackwell testified in the preliminary hearing that Strickland had borrowed a silver Nissan Sentra the night before the shooting from Eve Jones. When the car was returned, Jones found bullet holes and loose jewelry beads inside the vehicle.

Lane often wore a beaded cross necklace.

With no witnesses and little evidence, Williams said there wasn't enough to pursue a case to trial and secure a conviction. If more evidence or testimony arises connecting Strickland or others to the shooting then the case can proceed, he said.

Contact staff writer Todd South at tsouth@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6347. Follow him on Twitter @tsouthCTFP.

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