Daniel Wayne Messer, 35, was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound at a residence on Edgefield Way in Newport, Tennessee, on January 19, 2025. Authorities say Messer was struck in the face when a .44 Magnum Ruger discharged during an encounter at the home.

Cocke County investigators report 40-year-old Eric Banks was present and told them he had brought the handgun into Messer’s bedroom while the two were discussing firearms. Banks said he pulled the hammer back and was attempting to slowly release it with the weapon pointed at Messer when it fired. Banks admitted drinking before the incident and was taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder; Messer’s body was sent to the Knoxville Forensics Center for autopsy.

Messer was a father of three and remembered in his obituary as a talented musician with a notable singing voice, a sense of humor, and someone who had recently rededicated his life to his faith. Does anyone have information about Messer’s last hours or the events on Edgefield Way that morning?