Shawn Terry Demont Newby, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Tennessee 2024

Nashville resident Shawn Terry Demont Newby, 44, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison yesterday, having previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The sentencing decision comes after Newby was involved in a shooting at the WeGo bus station at 3458 Dickerson Pike in Nashville on January 6, 2024. Following a verbal altercation, Newby discharged a firearm, leaving witnesses shaken and a security camera capturing the shooting incident.

According to court documents, officers from the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) were called to the scene and found Newby on a sidewalk near the bus station after he tossed a Taurus, model PT-22, .22 LR caliber pistol onto the grass nearby. The officers also discovered .22 caliber shell casings around the bus where the shooting took place.

Newby’s previous felony convictions include Voluntary Manslaughter, Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon and theft over $1,000, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Davidson County, Tennessee, Criminal Court. After serving his term of incarceration, Newby will be under supervised release for 3 years.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Herbert L. Bunton III prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in local communities.

Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, stating, “So many of our citizens use public transportation to get to school, go to work, and live their daily lives. They need to be able to do all of those things without fear of getting shot.”

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and gun violence in Nashville and the surrounding areas. As the city continues to grapple with these issues, residents can expect to see increased enforcement and community-based initiatives aimed at reducing crime and promoting public safety.

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