Domestic leads to shooting death

By CHRIS MENEES
Staff Reporter
What apparently started out as a family dispute turned deadly late Thursday night on Wade Wiley Road near Union City.
Vernon Dale Putman Jr., 40, died in a shooting incident that occurred about 11 p.m. at 1809 Wade Wiley Road, southwest of Union City, according to the Obion County Sheriff’s Department.
Obion County Sheriff Jerry Vastbinder said the incident remains under investigation today, but it appears it started out as a family dispute between Putman and his 17-year-old son, whose name was not disclosed by authorities.
“(Putman) apparently became more irritated and picked up a rifle and had his 17-year-old son kneel down on the floor, pointed the gun at him and told him he was going to let him meet his God,” Vastbinder said. “He did not shoot the son, turned the weapon and pointed it at his wife, Polly Putman. We have a round that did not fire. He pointed the gun at her and it didn’t go off.”
Vastbinder said Mrs. Putman apparently then fled to the back of the residence, at which time Putman allegedly got another gun, went outside and fired 10 rounds into a car.
“When he comes back into the house, his 17-year-old son had picked up a gun and shot Putman twice,” the sheriff said this morning.
Putman was pronounced dead at the scene by Obion County Medical Examiner Dr. Kirk Stone. His body was sent to Memphis for autopsy.
There were no other injuries reported in the incident.
No charges had been filed at press time today and Vastbinder said he will meet with District Attorney General Tommy Thomas today to discuss the incident.
“We’re putting all the pieces together,” he added.
Staff Reporter Chris Menees may be contacted by e-mail at cmenees@ucmessenger.com.
Published in The Messenger 1.29.10

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