Clerk Claims Self-Defense In Sidewalk Shooting In Front Of Convenience Store

NASHVILLE, TENNESEE — A man was fatally shot by a convenience store clerk on the sidewalk in front of the business early Thursday morning. Officers from the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s North Precinct were dispatched to 7-Eleven located in the 3200 block of Clarksville Pike around 5: 30 a.m.

Upon arrival, they found a man identified as Cornell M. Evans, 23, of Memphis suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and died shortly after arrival. Officers also contacted the shooter, 23-year-old Devyon Johnson, who gave Homicide detectives a detailed statement, claiming that he shot Evans in self-defense.

In the statement, he told detectives that Evans went straight to the restroom upon entering the store. After remaining in the restroom for an unusual period, Johnson stated that he asked Evans to leave. Evans emerged from the restroom in what Johnson described as a furious state, berating him and other employees of the store.

He was repeatedly asked to leave the store and eventually did.  23. Johnson followed him into the parking lot, attempting to get Evans to completely leave the property. It was then that Evans allegedly approached the clerk in an aggressive manner and assumed a fighting stance. A physical altercation followed, and Johnson drew his pistol and shot Evans while being punched from behind.

No charges have been filed at this time, and upon conclusion of the investigation MNPD will present the case to the District Attorney’s Office for review.