NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A man currently on supervised probation through the Murfreesboro Probation and Parole Office is facing multiple serious charges after authorities say he shot and critically wounded a 19-year-old outside a South Nashville motel. Detectives with the Metro Nashville Police Department’s Specialized Investigations Division arrested 55-year-old John M. Denton Thursday night in connection with the shooting. According to investigators, Denton is accused of shooting Derrick Duffey, 19, outside the WoodSpring Suites motel located on Metroplex Drive in South Nashville.
Police say the incident unfolded when Duffey accompanied a friend to meet Denton regarding a debt Denton allegedly owed. Investigators reported that during the meeting, Denton and Duffey’s friend became involved in a physical altercation. Duffey told detectives he attempted to intervene and break up the fight between the two men.
Authorities say Denton then went to his pickup truck, retrieved a pistol, and fired multiple shots from a distance of less than six feet. Duffey was struck by gunfire, suffering wounds to one of his legs and his shoulder.
After the shooting, Duffey’s friend drove him to Southern Hills Medical Center for treatment. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Police described Duffey’s condition as critical following the shooting.
Later Thursday evening, detectives with the department’s TITANS Unit learned Denton was at a relative’s home on Brush Hill Road in Nashville. Investigators conducted a stop as Denton was leaving the property, leading to his arrest without further incident.
Denton is currently being held in jail on a $250,000 bond. He faces charges including attempted criminal homicide, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, felony reckless endangerment, and employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Authorities noted that Denton was already out on bond at the time of the shooting. Court records show he had been arrested on February 20 on charges related to felony cocaine possession and evidence tampering.
Investigators also say Denton has an extensive criminal history that includes prior convictions for aggravated robbery, aggravated assault, aggravated burglary, attempted voluntary manslaughter, and theft. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
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