RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN — Three individuals who were arrested and believed to be tied to a murder that took place 2-years ago are expected to appear in court later this month. Evidently, the case revolves around what started out as a robbery and ended with a death. Officials report that first-degree murder charges were filed, following the botched robbery that left a local man dead in 2024.

The Smyrna Police Department responded to a gas station on North Lowry Street on Sept. 4, 2024, after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found Harlon Dwayne Webb suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest. 54-Year-old Webb was rushed to StoneCrest Medical Center, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following an intensive investigation, detectives identified four suspects involved in the incident: Rocky Melton, 47, Shasie R. Raney, 44, Billy Mahan Jr, 37, and an unidentified juvenile.

According to investigators, the group attempted to rob Webb at the gas station, as explained by Rutherford County Assistant District Attorney Trevor Lynch... The assistant DA told WGNS news that Mahan and the juvenile suspect fled scene after the shooting, while Melton and Raney stayed behind, which led to their apprehension first.

Shortly after their arrests, a grand jury indicted all three adults—Melton, Raney, and Mahan—on several severe counts...

A plea hearing has been scheduled for April 30, 2026 in the Rutherford County Circuit Courtroom of Judge Barry Tidwell. Assistant District Attorney Trevor Lynch is leading the prosecution for the state. The juvenile’s case is being handled separately through the appropriate judicial channels.

All three of the adult suspects remain behind bars at this time. 

DISCLAIMER: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The arrest records or information about an arrest that are published or reported on NewsRadio WGNS and www.WGNSradio.com are not an indication of guilt or evidence that an actual crime has been committed.