DeKalb County, TN — Authorities are investigating the death of Dr. Ashleigh E. McKinzie, 41, a Middle Tennessee State University professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, who was fatally shot early Thursday morning along Smithville Highway near Captain’s Point Road.
According to the 13th Judicial District Attorney General Bryant Dunaway, deputies with the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of a shooting and found McKinzie suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A loaded and cocked handgun, confirmed to be McKinzie’s, was recovered beside her.
Officials say a 27-year-old man was present when deputies arrived, and a second firearm, registered to him, was found on the hood of his truck. Authorities report that he is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.
Chief Deputy Brian Williams confirmed that deputies were dispatched at approximately 4:51 a.m. on December 4, 2025. Both the District Attorney’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) responded to assist in determining the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Dunaway emphasized that no charges have been filed at this time, and investigators are continuing to gather evidence. The TBI is leading the inquiry, working alongside local law enforcement to piece together a timeline and better understand the events that led to McKinzie’s death.
Dr. McKinzie’s passing has sent shockwaves through the MTSU community, where she was remembered as a dedicated educator and valued faculty member. Authorities have not released further details as the investigation remains active.