Teen charged in Hixson shooting death to be tried as adult

15-year-old accused of fatally shooting mother's boyfriend faces second-degree murder, firearm charges

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:50pm

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A 15-year-old Red Bank High School sophomore has been indicted by a Hamilton County grand jury and will be tried as an adult for the September 2026 fatal shooting of his mother's 35-year-old boyfriend in Hixson, Tennessee. The teen is charged with second-degree murder and illegally using a firearm.

Why it matters

The decision to try the 15-year-old as an adult in this case highlights the seriousness of the alleged crime and the local prosecutor's stance on prosecuting juvenile violent offenders, especially those accused of using firearms, to the fullest extent of the law in order to protect public safety.

The details

According to police reports, the teen allegedly shot and killed Karon Gaines, a father of six, after an argument at a home on Colony Circle in Hixson on September 30, 2026. Gaines suffered five gunshot wounds and died from his injuries on October 3. The teen allegedly retrieved a 9mm pistol and fired multiple shots at Gaines, with one bullet still lodged in the casing at the scene.

  • On September 30, 2026, police responded to a shooting on Colony Circle in Hixson.
  • Karon Gaines died from his injuries on October 3, 2026.
  • The teen was indicted by a Hamilton County grand jury in March 2026.

The players

Karon Gaines

A 35-year-old father of six who was fatally shot by his girlfriend's 15-year-old son.

Jay Underwood

The teen's lawyer who declined to comment on the case.

Coty Wamp

The Hamilton County District Attorney who said her office considers filing a notice of transfer to try any juvenile accused of a violent crime or using a firearm as an adult.

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What they’re saying

“If a 15-year-old commits a first-degree murder, then there is a likely chance that my office will attempt to try that juvenile as an adult.”

— Coty Wamp, Hamilton County District Attorney (Times Free Press)

What’s next

The teen's next court appearance is scheduled for March 27 before Judge Boyd Patterson, who will decide whether to allow the teen to remain out on $50,000 bond.

The takeaway

This case underscores the growing debate around juvenile justice and the prosecution of minors accused of violent crimes, especially those involving firearms, as prosecutors and judges weigh public safety concerns against rehabilitation and reform efforts for young offenders.