Rutherford County -- May 22, 2026: Rapid response by Rutherford County law enforcement led to the swift detention of a suspect following a fatal shooting on Silvers Lake Road on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Deputies were dispatched to reports of a shooting on Silvers Lake Road at approximately 4 p.m. Upon arrival, two victims with gunshot wounds were found, 27-year-old Kirsten Teaster was pronounced deceased at the scene. A second victim, a 17-year-old juvenile whose identity will not be released, was also suffering from a gunshot wound. The juvenile was transported to a trauma-level medical center and is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
Authorities confirmed that a suspect, identified as Robert Lee Scruggs, 46, was immediately taken into custody at the scene. Scruggs, who sustained minor injuries, has been charged with felony voluntary manslaughter.
Scruggs appeared before a judicial official and was given a $100,000 secured bond.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation.