In a tragic and unsettling incident early Sunday morning in Newport, Tennessee, Daniel Messer, 35, was found dead with a fatal gunshot wound to the face. Authorities from the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office responded to an emergency call around 1:47 a.m. on January 19, 2025, regarding a shooting at a residence on Edgefield Way. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Messer’s lifeless body, and despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Eric Banks, 40, who admitted to being involved in the shooting. Banks claimed that the two men were having a conversation about firearms when he brought a .44 Magnum Ruger into Messer’s bedroom. According to Banks, while handling the firearm, he attempted to slowly release the hammer of the gun. However, in the process, the weapon discharged, striking Messer in the face.

Banks, who admitted to consuming alcohol before the incident, reportedly cooperated with authorities during questioning. The sheriff’s office’s investigation revealed that the shooting was the result of a tragic accident. However, after reviewing the circumstances surrounding the death, Cocke County investigators, led by Detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin, arrested Banks on charges of second-degree murder.

The Newport Rescue Squad transported Messer’s body to the Knoxville Forensics Center for an autopsy. Meanwhile, Banks remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings as authorities work to uncover additional details surrounding the fatal incident.

A Nightmarish Incident: The Events Leading to Messer’s Death

The events that led to Daniel Messer’s death began early in the morning on January 19th, when authorities received a call at approximately 1:47 a.m. about a shooting incident in the Edgefield Way area of Newport. Deputies from the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene to find Messer unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound to the face. The scene was described by investigators as grim, with clear signs of trauma around the victim’s head and neck.

First responders immediately began to assess the situation, but unfortunately, Messer was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving little hope for his survival despite quick medical intervention.

As the investigation unfolded, deputies quickly identified Eric Banks as a key figure in the shooting. In a statement to law enforcement, Banks, a 40-year-old resident of the area, admitted to his involvement in the incident. Banks told authorities that he and Messer had been discussing guns earlier in the evening. During this conversation, Banks claimed he retrieved a .44 Magnum Ruger from another room and brought it into Messer’s bedroom to continue their discussion.

Banks’ explanation of the events seemed initially plausible, as he claimed that while holding the firearm, he attempted to gently release the hammer of the weapon. However, according to his statement, the gun discharged unexpectedly, striking Messer in the face.

While Banks insisted that the shooting was accidental, investigators began to question whether there had been negligence or recklessness involved in handling the firearm. Further analysis of the scene and Banks’ testimony led to a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.

Alcohol Involvement: A Concerning Factor

One of the key pieces of information that emerged from Banks’ confession was his admission to having been drinking alcohol prior to the incident. The influence of alcohol on Banks’ judgment and actions is a significant factor in the investigation. Investigators are examining whether alcohol impaired his ability to properly handle the firearm or contributed to the tragic event.

In Tennessee, as in many states, the combination of firearms and alcohol is heavily scrutinized, especially in cases where an accident results in death. Law enforcement officials are likely considering whether Banks’ actions were an example of criminal negligence or recklessness, despite his claims that the shooting was accidental.

The fact that the gun discharged while Banks was allegedly attempting to release the hammer slowly has raised further questions about whether Banks took the necessary precautions when handling the weapon, given his intoxicated state.

Second-Degree Murder Charge: Arrest and Legal Proceedings

After interviewing Banks and reviewing the evidence, Cocke County detectives arrested him on a charge of second-degree murder. Second-degree murder charges are typically brought when a person causes the death of another through reckless actions or with disregard for human life, even if there was no premeditation involved.

Detectives Bob Schaff and Katrina Baldwin, who are handling the investigation, have indicated that while they have not uncovered any definitive evidence of intent to kill, the circumstances surrounding the shooting suggest that Banks’ actions were not entirely the result of a mere accident. The combination of handling a firearm under the influence of alcohol and the questionable manner in which the weapon was discharged has led to the decision to charge Banks with second-degree murder.

The legal proceedings will now move forward as Banks faces the serious charge of second-degree murder. His bond amount has yet to be determined, and the case is expected to be presented before a grand jury for further review. If convicted, Banks could face significant prison time for the death of Daniel Messer.

The Victim: Daniel Messer’s Life and Legacy

Daniel Messer’s death has left the Newport community in shock, as he was known to friends and family as a hardworking, kind-hearted individual. Although details about Messer’s personal life are limited at this time, his sudden and violent death has sparked an outpouring of grief from those who knew him.

Messer’s family members have yet to issue a public statement regarding his death, but loved ones have described him as someone who was always willing to help others. A memorial service is expected to be held in the coming days, where family, friends, and the local community can come together to mourn the loss of a man who will be dearly missed.

Friends and acquaintances have also taken to social media to express their condolences, with many sharing memories of Messer and reflecting on the positive impact he had on those around him. “Daniel was the kind of guy who would do anything for you,” one friend wrote on Facebook. “This is such a senseless tragedy, and we all feel his loss deeply.”

The family of Daniel Messer is working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served, and they have requested privacy during this difficult time as they begin to process the sudden loss of their loved one. As the investigation continues, the community will no doubt rally behind them, offering support and solidarity.

The Role of Guns and Alcohol in Domestic Violence

The fatal shooting of Daniel Messer highlights the dangers of firearms being handled in situations where alcohol is involved. In many instances, alcohol consumption impairs a person’s ability to make sound decisions, and in this case, it may have contributed to the tragic outcome. While it remains unclear whether there was any prior argument or tension between Messer and Banks, the presence of alcohol adds a layer of complexity to the situation.

The incident has once again underscored the need for stronger regulations around gun safety, particularly when it comes to handling firearms while intoxicated. In recent years, there has been increased focus on gun safety awareness, with calls for more comprehensive education on the proper handling of firearms, especially in social settings where alcohol may be consumed.

Investigation Continues: What Happens Next?

As of now, the investigation is ongoing, with Cocke County Sheriff’s Office deputies continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses. It is likely that more information will emerge in the coming weeks as detectives work to piece together the full sequence of events leading up to Messer’s death.

For now, Eric Banks remains in custody facing second-degree murder charges. His legal team has yet to issue a public statement regarding the charges. Banks is expected to make his first court appearance soon, where a judge will determine the next steps in the legal process.

The Newport community, meanwhile, remains in mourning over the loss of Daniel Messer, and residents are awaiting further developments in the case with both concern and anticipation. With the tragic nature of the incident, local authorities and community members alike hope that justice will be served and that the lessons learned from this case will help prevent similar incidents in the future.

Conclusion: A Life Lost and Justice Pursued

Daniel Messer’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of firearms, particularly when combined with alcohol. While the circumstances of the shooting may have been accidental, the recklessness involved in handling a firearm while intoxicated has led to a serious criminal charge against Eric Banks. As the investigation continues, the community of Newport holds its breath, awaiting answers and hoping that justice will be served in the wake of this tragic event.