(June 30, 2014) Jackson TN – May Homicide of Rodney Pearson Determined to be Justifiable Based on Self-Defense; Man who Shot Pearson Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Tampering with Evidence
On Monday, Jackson police presented facts of the case to the Madison County Grand Jury concerning the May 5 homicide of Rodney Pearson.
24-year-old Michael Thomas, of Jackson, will not be charged for killing Pearson, but he was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and tampering with evidence.
BACKGROUND
On May 5 around 8 p.m., officers were called to the apartment complex at 33 Carver Avenue. Pearson, 26, of Madison County, was found on the ground near the D building. He was transported by ambulance to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital and pronounced dead shortly upon arrival. Approximately 10 minutes after Pearson was shot, Thomas was dropped off by private vehicle at the emergency room of Jackson General Hospital with a serious gunshot wound.
The investigation revealed that Pearson fired shots at an SUV while it was parked in the apartment complex at 33 Carver Avenue. The SUV and Thomas were both struck by bullets. Thomas then acted in self-defense and returned gunfire killing Pearson. After shooting Pearson, Thomas disposed of the gun. Since Thomas is a convicted felon, he cannot legally possess a gun.
Thomas is currently in custody in the Maury County Jail in Columbia, Tenn. on a probation violation. Thomas was on 4-years’ state probation for a 2013 aggravated burglary in Maury County.
During the course of the homicide investigation, police learned about potential violations of Thomas’ probation. Investigators contacted Thomas’ probation officer and made her aware of the circumstances. Subsequently, a probation violation warrant was issued.
On May 20, Jackson police arrested Thomas in Jackson on the probation violation warrant. He was booked in at the Madison County Jail and later transferred to the Maury County Jail.
Thomas will be transported from Maury County back to Jackson for an arraignment in Madison County Circuit Court on a date to be determined.
