A late-night dispute over a work light turned deadly Friday in Rossville, leaving one man dead and another facing a murder charge, according to Walker County authorities.
Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson said deputies were called to the 1100 block of Ridgewood Street around 9:05 p.m. on April 3 following reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they discovered 59-year-old Jerry Hightower lying deceased in a front yard.
Witnesses at the scene immediately directed deputies to a suspect, who was reportedly sitting on his front porch across the street. Authorities identified the suspect as James Richard Nowlin, 49.
According to a preliminary investigation, the shooting stemmed from an argument between Nowlin and Hightower over a bright work light shining toward Nowlin’s home. Investigators say Hightower, a maintenance worker, was on the street to perform work and did not live in the neighborhood.
Nowlin was taken into custody without incident and has been charged with murder. He is currently being held in the Walker County Jail.
The investigation remains ongoing.