A Tennessee man is facing serious charges, including criminal homicide, after allegedly strangling his pregnant girlfriend and then shooting her cousin who tried to intervene.
The incident took place late Tuesday night at The Harris Townhomes in Nashville, and police report that Tony Wray, 29, went on a violent rampage following a confrontation over flirtatious text messages.
A Violent Confrontation
The ordeal began around 11:57 p.m. when Wray’s girlfriend confronted him about text messages he had sent to another woman.
According to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department (MNPD), Wray responded by allegedly choking his girlfriend and making violent threats toward anyone who attempted to intervene. He reportedly said, “I will kill you and my mother” during the assault.
The affidavit details how the woman told officers that Wray kept a gun next to his bed when he made the threats. Fearing for her safety, she decided to call a relative, Charqwan Howse, 26, instead of his mother, asking him to come help.
The Shooting and Death of Charqwan Howse
Howse arrived at the apartment with a third individual, where an argument erupted between him and Wray over the alleged assault. Witnesses reported that Wray then shot Howse without provocation.
The victim was gunned down in the street, and despite emergency efforts, he died at the scene. Wray remained at the scene when police arrived, and officers detained him without incident. He was reportedly armed with a handgun when taken into custody.
Charges Against Wray
Wray is facing two counts of aggravated assault related to the attack on his girlfriend and an additional count of aggravated assault for shooting Howse. His actions have left the local community in shock, as the case involves both domestic violence and the tragic loss of life.
Investigation and Witness Testimonies
Homicide detectives have since spoken with witnesses and Wray’s girlfriend, who confirmed that the couple had been arguing about the text messages before the violent confrontation. She reported that Wray had choked her multiple times during the argument, showing a pattern of violence that led to the fatal shooting of her cousin.
Tony Wray’s actions have led to tragic consequences for both his pregnant girlfriend and her family. The case highlights the extreme danger posed by domestic violence, particularly when combined with firearms. Wray is facing severe charges, and the investigation into his actions is ongoing.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked violence and the devastating impact it can have on families.
