Samuel James Mitchell III, known as Trey, was killed on the night of March 15, 2017, after going to an Alice Street residence in East Knoxville to defend his paternal grandmother from an episode of domestic abuse. Witnesses say Mitchell, 23, confronted 53-year-old Lebarron Cade about the alleged physical abuse. According to accounts, Mitchell drew a gun and demanded Cade leave; a struggle over the weapon followed. Cade allegedly forced the gun toward Mitchell’s head, the weapon discharged, and Mitchell suffered a single gunshot wound behind his left ear. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lebarron Cade was taken into custody and charged with voluntary manslaughter, held on $50,000 bond. Mitchell was a Hardin Valley Academy graduate and football team member; he is survived by a daughter, his parents, siblings, and other family. His funeral was held at Eternal Life Harvest Center and he was buried at New Gray Cemetery.

Did anyone in East Knoxville see or hear about events at the Alice Street residence that night or know more about what led up to the confrontation?