Jerald Wayne Mills, shot dead for smoking a cigarette
Witnesses told WSMV that 44-year-old Chris Michael Ferrell shot Mills at the Pit & Barrel bar at around 5 a.m. Saturday morning following an argument that started when the singer began smoking in a non-smoking area. The suspect and the victim were reportedly friends.
Mills was later pronounced dead after being taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
"We're investigating Chris Ferrell's claims of self-defense," Nashville police spokesperson Kris Mumford told the Tennessean.
Ferrell had a valid permit to carry a handgun, according to WSMV.
In 2010, both the Tennessee state House and Senate overrode Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen's veto on a bill to allow handguns in bars.
Tennessee. We're the most violent state in the US. You can be killed here, just 'cause---well, just because.