Tuesday, November 12, 2002 - LAJON WITHERSPOON'S BROTHER FATALLY SHOT

 Tragedy struck Saturday, November 9 when Lajon Witherspoon's 21-year-old brother Reginald was fatally shot in Nashville, TN. Lajon was given the news by
 his father just minutes before the band went onstage in St. Joseph, MN. His father asked Lajon to go on with the show and that it be dedicated to Reginald.

 Further information on the crime is pending.

Sevendust has postponed all shows until Friday, November 15 where they will resume the tour in Hampton Beach, NH at the Hampton Beach Casino.

Nashville Police Department Press Release. 

Yesterday Nashville Police released an official statement concerning the shooting and the investigation into the murder. The press release is below. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 11, 2002

The man fatally shot Saturday night in his car at the intersection of Neill Avenue and Smiley Street is identified as Reginald Witherspoon, 23, of Marina Street.

The investigation indicates that Witherspoon pulled up to three young black men on Smiley Street at around 8:30 p.m. According to a witness, one of the three entered Witherspoon's vehicle while the other two walked away. Witherspoon drove back down Smiley Street and stopped at the Neill Avenue intersection. When Witherspoon stopped, it is believed the two individuals who had earlier walked away started shooting into the driver's side of the car. The passenger is also believed to have fired as he got out of the vehicle. When the shooting stopped, all three subjects ran from the area. 

Detectives are investigating whether drug activity was the motive for the murder and are continuing in their efforts to identify the three suspects. Anyone with information on the shooting of Witherspoon is urged to contact the police department's Homicide Unit at 862-7546 or Crime Stoppers at 74-CRIME. Callers to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward.

Witherspoon's arrest history reflects two charges, assault and driving without a license.

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