From Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office
A Rutherford County resident was charged with first-degree murder after an investigation into a shooting Wednesday on Panther Creek Road, said Criminal Investigations Capt. Todd Sparks.
Jeffery Hayden Burris, 54, of Panther Creek Road was charged in the shooting death of neighbor Clarence Rowden III, 58, Sparks said. The shooting occurred outside the victim’s home.
OBITUARY: Clarence “Bluker” Rowden, III
“The victim’s wife called 911 after Burris fired multiple rounds with a handgun, striking and killing Rowden,” Sparks said.
Rutherford County Sheriff’s deputies and Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services paramedics responded to the residence and attempted life-saving efforts, however, Rowden was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Burris was still at the scene and was detained immediately by responding patrol officers. Burris was later interviewed and charged by Detective Kyle Norrod.
“Our investigation has determined that Burris is believed to be the only suspect involved in this shooting,” Sparks said. “We are still following up to determine an exact motive.”
Sheriff’s detectives and crime scene investigators collected evidence from the scene.
Burris is being held on a $600,000 bond with an initial court date being set Sept. 14.
Clarence Rowden III aka Blucher was such a happy and honest man. I met him through family that worked with him at Nissan and local car shows. He was an amazing mechanic and I cannot stress enough how honest he was. I’ve never heard of anyone that had anything remotely negative to say about the man. Devastating to hear this news it’s a huge loss for the community.
So Sad about Blooker! He was such a great guy! New him for years at Nissan! He will be truly missed. Prayers for his family and friends!
Pat Krogstad
Bluker, was a Godly, man to one and all. He love his God, wife, children and grandchildren, with Allis heart. His passion was working on cars. Best around, I worked with Bluker, over 20yrs and have known him over 30yrs. Alway happy go lucky. A smile a mile wide. He’d give you the shirt off his back if you’d just ask. He text me one day and said he got a bottle of water from the back of my car said he’d pay for it. He’d never had that water but loved it, I myself never would have missed it. That’s just the kinda guy he was. So much more I could say, but one thing for sure is I’ll see Bluker again one day with that big smile. Love you man. You will be missed. Thinking of Trish and the family.
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