Halls Rural King shooting: DA makes motion to change charges to first-degree murder

Rural King Murder Suspect
Larry Ray McBee, the man that has been charged in the murder of a Halls Rural King employee appears in court. https://bit.ly/3JuBXqi
Posted by WVLT on Monday, January 30, 2023

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Larry McBee, the 18-year-old man accused of shooting a Rural King employee the week of Christmas, appeared in court Monday. During that appearance, court officials made a motion to amend McBee’s charges from second-degree murder to first-degree murder.

Previous Coverage: Rural King shooting victim identified, suspect arrested

Around 10:40 a.m. on Dec. 21, officers responded to the Rural King for a possible shooting. Once on the scene, deputies learned that McBee was attempting to shoplift ammunition and bungee cords when an employee, identified as 23-year-old Tristan Smith, approached him.

According to officials, McBee got into a “scuffle” with Smith outside behind the business when he shot and killed the employee with a small caliber gun, according to officials.

Previous Coverage: Who is Larry McBee, suspect in deadly Rural King shooting?

A judge set McBee’s bond at $2 million for a second-degree murder charge following the deadly shooting. The judge had initially set a bond for other charges, which was revoked, according to officials with the Knox Co. District Attorney’s Office.

Previous Coverage: Judge resets bond for Halls Rural King shooting suspect

McBee was out on bond from previous charges when the shooting happened.

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