DeKalb County and TBI close MTSU professor Ashleigh McKinzie’s case

Jaeda Jackson, Social media manager • April 2, 2026

The Public Information Release containing the details of Ashleigh McKinzie’s death.

Editor’s note: This is a breaking story. Updates will come as new information is released.

DeKalb County and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation closed on Thursday the case of Ashleigh McKinzie’s death, finding that Todd Stanton shot McKinzie in self-defense.

Bryant C. Dunaway, District Attorney General for the 13th District of Tennessee, released the findings of McKinzie’s case in a media release.

McKinzie’s death is attributed to “multiple gunshot wounds,” according to the State Medical Examiner’s autopsy.

“After a review of the investigative results, this office is declining any prosecution,” Dunaway said. “The actions of Todd Stanton were in his own defense,” Dunaway said.

In Stanton’s statement about the incident, he described McKinzie walking in front of his truck and aiming her gun at him through the windshield. After retrieving his handgun, he fired through the windshield in fear for his life.

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About the Contributors

Jaeda Jackson, Social Media Manager

I am a Sophomore working on a Social Justice Journalism degree with minors in Political Science and University Honors. When I’m not working with Sidelines, you can find me working at my internship as a photographer with the hockey team! A fun fact about me is that I am the mom to 3 beautiful houseplants.

Brett Walker, Managing Editor

I lead sports coverage for MTSU Sidelines. I’m the biggest football fan you’ll ever meet, even though I played tennis in high school. In my free time, you can catch me with my family, going to church or losing to my friends in Madden.