North Precinct detectives charged William Gardner, 77, with criminal homicide for Sunday’s 5 a.m. fatal shooting of his nephew, Jerry Birdwell, 54, and attempted murder for wounding Birdwell’s girlfriend inside the residence they all shared in the 8000 block of Jackman Road in Joelton.
Tammy Cornwell, 55, called 911 to report that she and Birdwell and been shot. According to Cornwell, Gardner kicked in Birdwell’s bedroom door and shot the couple. Cornwell was struck in the arm. Birdwell died at the scene. Birdwell and Cornwell had reportedly been involved in past disputes with Gardner.
Gardner left the scene. He later parked near the Madison Precinct where he was taken into custody.f He is currently held without bond, pending a hearing.
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