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CROCKETT COUNTY, TN — A deadly domestic violence incident is under investigation after a pregnant woman fatally shot a man who allegedly assaulted her during a late-night altercation at a rural Tennessee residence.

According to the Crockett County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a 911 call around 11 p.m. on April 17 at a home on the 6000 block of Chestnut Bluff-Maury City Road. When they arrived, they found 32-year-old John A. King III deceased at the scene. An autopsy has been ordered and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has joined the case due to the nature of the incident.

Authorities say King was armed with both a knife and a gun when he assaulted the female victim inside her residence. During the struggle, the woman—who is several months pregnant—shot King. It has not been confirmed whether she used her own firearm or King’s. She was transported by EMS to a local hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the attack.

As of now, no charges have been filed, and officials state that the investigation is ongoing. The Crockett County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this appears to be an isolated incident and that there is no threat to public safety.

This case closely follows another recent self-defense shooting in North Carolina, where a woman shot an alleged attacker during a domestic dispute. That story, which you can read here, underscores the alarming frequency and danger of domestic violence situations.

In both incidents, armed women were able to defend themselves against life-threatening assaults—one while pregnant. These are sobering reminders of why it’s vital for individuals, especially those at increased risk of domestic violence, to have a self-defense plan and, if legally permitted, access to a firearm. For more on how concealed carry and home defense can be part of that plan, see our articles on domestic violence and concealed carry and home carry considerations for domestic violence victims.