PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (WVLT) — A man has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred outside Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Pigeon Forge, according to the Pigeon Forge Police Department.
Authorities say 24-year-old Evan Cogdill, of Illinois, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of 22-year-old Jacob Inselmann.
Officers responded around 7:35 p.m. Saturday after receiving a 911 call reporting a gunshot in the parking lot of the popular attraction. When police arrived at the scene, they found both men inside a vehicle.
According to investigators, one of the individuals told officers that he was in possession of a handgun when it discharged inside the vehicle, striking Inselmann.
Emergency responders transported the victim to LeConte Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead from his injuries.
Police have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, and it remains unclear what caused the firearm to discharge.
The Pigeon Forge Police Department confirmed that the case remains under active investigation, and officials stated that no additional information will be released at this time as detectives continue to gather evidence and review witness statements.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges are expected.
The incident occurred in a busy tourist area, drawing a significant law enforcement response and briefly disrupting activity near the popular dinner attraction.
Officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Pigeon Forge Police Department as the investigation continues.
