Daniel Messer, 35, Shot and Killed in Cocke County, Tenn. Following Argument About Guns

Cocke County, Tenn. — Daniel Messer, a 35-year-old man from Newport, Tennessee, tragically passed away on the early hours of Sunday morning after a fatal shooting on Edgefield Way. Deputies from the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call just before 2 a.m. on January 19, 2025. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities discovered Messer’s body with a gunshot wound to the face. The victim was pronounced dead at the location by emergency responders.

The fatal incident was the result of an unfortunate altercation involving 40-year-old Eric Banks, a man who was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder. According to Banks, he and Messer had been discussing firearms when the conversation escalated. Banks admitted to bringing a .44 Magnum Ruger handgun into Messer’s bedroom, and while holding the weapon, he reportedly pulled back the hammer in an attempt to release it slowly. However, in an unexpected turn of events, the firearm discharged, shooting Messer in the face.

Banks, who also admitted to being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, told investigators that he had not meant for the gun to discharge. The shooting appears to have been an unfortunate accident, though the tragic nature of the event led to Messer’s untimely death.

Authorities responded swiftly, and detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin from the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the shooting. After several interviews, they determined that the circumstances warranted an arrest. Banks was taken into custody and booked on charges of second-degree murder.

Daniel Messer’s family, friends, and the community of Newport are mourning the loss of a man whose life was tragically cut short. His loved ones remember him fondly as someone who had a deep love for life and a passion for engaging with others on a personal level.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, January 19, 2025, Daniel Messer’s life was tragically cut short when he was shot in the face during a fatal incident at his home on Edgefield Way in Newport, Cocke County. Messer, 35, was found dead at the scene by first responders who had been dispatched to the location after a 911 call reported the shooting. He was pronounced deceased upon their arrival.

The shooter, Eric Banks, 40, told investigators that the shooting was an accident. Banks stated that he had been in Messer’s bedroom discussing firearms when the two became involved in a conversation about guns. In an attempt to show Messer how the .44 Magnum Ruger handgun worked, Banks pulled the hammer back, and as he tried to release it slowly, the firearm accidentally discharged, striking Messer directly in the face.

Alcohol was a significant factor in the incident, as Banks admitted to having been drinking before the shooting took place. While he insisted that the event was not intentional, the result was tragic, and Messer’s death has left a lasting impact on the community.

Cocke County Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly responded to the scene, where they launched an investigation led by detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin. Based on their findings, they arrested Banks on charges of second-degree murder. He was taken into custody and is now facing legal consequences for his role in Messer’s death.

Messer’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from his family, friends, and the Newport community. Loved ones have remembered him for his vibrant personality, his sense of humor, and the warmth he brought to everyone he encountered. His unexpected passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew him.

Obituary and Death: A Family’s Loss: Daniel Messer’s Fatal Shooting in Newport, Cocke County

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a tragic incident in the early hours of Sunday, January 19, 2025, in which 35-year-old Daniel Messer lost his life. Authorities found Messer at his residence on Edgefield Way in Newport after receiving a call reporting a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies found Messer with a fatal gunshot wound to the face and immediately declared him deceased.

According to the statement made by Eric Banks, 40, who was present at the scene, the incident began when the two men were engaged in a conversation about firearms. In an effort to demonstrate the workings of his .44 Magnum Ruger handgun, Banks admitted to having brought the weapon into Messer’s bedroom. Banks further claimed that he was attempting to release the hammer slowly when the gun accidentally discharged, firing a bullet that struck Messer in the face.

Banks also disclosed that he had consumed alcohol prior to the shooting. This fact was considered by investigators as they pieced together the details of the tragic accident. While Banks maintains that the shooting was unintentional, the loss of Messer’s life in such an avoidable manner has left those closest to him heartbroken.

Cocke County Sheriff’s Office deputies, led by detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin, swiftly began a detailed investigation. After interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence, Banks was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He is now facing the legal consequences of his actions.

Daniel Messer is remembered by his family and friends as a kind and spirited individual. His untimely death has left a profound impact on the community, and those who knew him are coming to terms with the tragic loss. His memory will be cherished by those who loved him, and his family is grieving the senseless way in which his life was taken.

Obituary and Death: Fatal Shooting of Daniel Messer, 35, Sparks Investigation in Cocke County, Tenn.

Cocke County, Tenn. — The morning of Sunday, January 19, 2025, was forever marked by a tragic shooting on Edgefield Way in Newport. Daniel Messer, 35, was found dead at the scene after sustaining a gunshot wound to the face. Authorities with the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting the shooting at approximately 1:47 a.m. and arrived to find Messer’s lifeless body. He was pronounced dead by first responders.

As the investigation unfolded, it was revealed that Eric Banks, 40, was the person involved in the shooting. Banks admitted to being in Messer’s bedroom at the time of the incident, where the two were reportedly discussing firearms. Banks claimed that he had brought a .44 Magnum Ruger handgun into the room to show Messer how it worked. According to Banks, while attempting to release the hammer on the firearm slowly, the gun discharged unexpectedly, striking Messer in the face.

Banks also acknowledged that he had been drinking alcohol prior to the shooting. This factor was noted by investigators as they assessed the circumstances of the incident. While Banks maintains that the shooting was accidental, the tragic result of Messer’s death has brought immense sorrow to the community.

Detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin, who were assigned to the case, worked diligently to gather evidence and conduct interviews. Following their investigation, Banks was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He is currently facing legal proceedings related to the death of Daniel Messer.

Daniel Messer’s life was tragically taken too soon. He is remembered by his loved ones for his bright spirit, his sense of humor, and his passion for connecting with others. The events that led to his death have left those who knew him devastated and grappling with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy.

In the wake of Messer’s death, friends and family are coming together to honor his memory. The Newport community has rallied around those affected by this loss, offering support and condolences as they process the grief of losing a beloved member of their community.

Obituary and Death: Daniel Messer, 35, Shot and Killed in Fatal Accident on Edgefield Way, Newport

Cocke County, Tenn. — A fatal shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, January 19, 2025, that claimed the life of 35-year-old Daniel Messer. The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting at a residence on Edgefield Way in Newport. When deputies arrived, they found Messer with a gunshot wound to the face, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooter, identified as 40-year-old Eric Banks, told investigators that he and Messer had been discussing firearms when the conversation took a tragic turn. Banks brought a .44 Magnum Ruger handgun into Messer’s bedroom, and while holding the firearm, he claimed to have pulled back the hammer in an attempt to release it slowly. Unfortunately, the gun discharged unexpectedly, fatally striking Messer in the face.

Banks admitted that he had been drinking alcohol before the incident, and investigators are considering the impact of alcohol on the events leading up to the fatal shooting. While Banks asserts that the shooting was accidental, the loss of Messer’s life has raised questions about the dangers of firearms and alcohol, as well as the consequences of negligent handling of weapons.

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office quickly initiated a full investigation, led by detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin. Based on their findings, Banks was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He is now in custody, facing legal proceedings for his involvement in Messer’s death.

Messer’s family and friends are mourning the loss of a man who brought joy and laughter into their lives. He will be remembered for his kind heart and for the meaningful connections he made with others. His death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him, and his community continues to mourn this tragic loss.

Conclusion: Remembering Daniel Messer and Reflecting on the Tragic Shooting in Newport, Tenn.

Daniel Messer’s life was tragically taken on January 19, 2025, when he was shot in the face during a fatal accident at his home on Edgefield Way in Newport, Cocke County. His death was the result of a conversation about firearms that went terribly wrong, leading to a series of events that culminated in his untimely passing.

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, the community of Newport is left to grapple with the loss of a man who was taken too soon. Daniel Messer is remembered by those who knew him for his kindness, sense of humor, and warm presence in the lives of others. His family and friends are left to cope with the devastation of losing someone they loved so dearly.

As the legal proceedings against Eric Banks continue, the tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of firearms and the profound consequences of alcohol and gun use. The people of Cocke County, Tenn., will continue to honor Daniel Messer’s memory, holding him in their hearts as they seek justice for his tragic and senseless death.