On October 25, 2019, a domestic disturbance on County Road 288 in Niota, Tennessee, ended with the death of 55-year-old Dawn Branson. Deputies from the McMinn County Sheriff’s Office arrived about 4:30 p.m. to find multiple fires on the property and 59-year-old Roger Branson barricaded inside the home, holding his wife hostage.

Deputies tried to communicate and de-escalate, but the suspect was uncooperative. He then fired at deputies from inside the burning house; officers returned fire and struck him. Dawn Branson was found deceased inside the home. No law enforcement officers were injured. Roger Branson was taken to a hospital and was to face criminal charges. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was asked to lead the inquiry into the officer-involved shooting.

Are there readers who knew the Bransons or who have information about the events on County Road 288 that day?