Rusty Aaron Cordle, 29, of Kingsport, Tennessee, was shot and killed on the evening of Saturday, September 21, 2019, after an altercation in the Midway community of Sullivan County. According to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on State Route 36 when a man reported that Cordle’s vehicle was following him. The man pulled into a business parking lot and Cordle pulled in behind him; authorities say Cordle then allegedly approached the other man’s vehicle in a threatening manner.

The man in the vehicle fired a handgun, striking Cordle. Wounded, Cordle entered a nearby store to ask for help before collapsing; he was taken to a local hospital and later died of his injuries. The shooter stayed at the scene and claimed self-defense. The sheriff’s office investigated and said it would present findings to the Sullivan County Grand Jury for determination of whether the shooting was justified or whether charges were warranted. The family described Cordle as a loving son, brother, and uncle who enjoyed working on and restoring old cars and motorcycles.

Does anyone who knew Rusty, was in the Midway area that night, or has information about the events on State Route 36 on September 21, 2019, have details to share?