Tuesday afternoon, March 26, 2019, Chattanooga, Tennessee. Edward Garth, age 32, was at his home doing laundry. Travis Garth, a 30-year-old relative, decided to stop by for a visit.

As it turned out, it was not intended to be merely a social call. The two men talked as they normally would for about 15 minutes before Travis Garth left the home. 

He returned shortly thereafter with two friends, a knife and a bag containing a rifle.  The men forced their way into the home. Travis removed the rifle from the bag and aimed it at Edward, all three men demanding money. 

The quick-thinking homeowner grabbed a pistol he had stashed nearby under a couch cushion and fired several shots at the assailants. Travis Garth then struggled and fought with the homeowner before fleeing the home. 

News Channel 9 reported that Chattanooga Police spokeswoman Elisa Myzal said one person was found shot on the scene and another later showed up at a hospital. 

According to the Chattanooga Police Department Facebook page, “Upon arrival, Police located a male party on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound. Hamilton County EMS transported the injured party to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. Police secured the scene and called for the CPD Violent Crimes Bureau to respond. Police spoke with the resident of the home who advised three men attempted to rob him inside of his residence and he shot at them. He advised the other two men fled. While on scene, Police were notified that a male party arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound.”

Perry Thomas, 24, suffered a gunshot wound and died after being transported to an area hospital. 

Darious Woods, age 22, later showed up at a hospital via private vehicle seeking help for a gunshot wound. Authorities were able to determine that he had been wounded at the scene of the home invasion.  He was arrested on outstanding warrants after he was released from the hospital and was transported to the local jail.

The Times Free Press reported the home owner explained to police he acted in self-defense. Based on their findings, the police agreed and did not charge Edward Garth with any crime.  

In 2016 News 12 Now reported that Thomas and Woods were involved in a high-speed chase after a robbery. They and a third person ran from the scene after wrecking the car. Inside the car was a stolen firearm. All three suspects were charged with multiple felonies.   

As seems to be standard in 2019, friends and family of the deceased Perry Thomas took to social media to share memories, photos and videos. One man wrote, “Sitting here crying my eyes out bruh [sic] I just want my cousin back man why they [sic] have to take you away from me.”

Unfortunately, actions have consequences, and in this situation, Perry Thomas made a bad decision that cost him his life. 

Fortunately, the home owner acted within his rights to make sure his life was not taken.