Tennessee woman that shot at ghost hunters is acquitted of all charges

A woman that allegedly fired shots at a carload of people that stopped near her home to explore a haunted tunnel was acquitted of all charges yesterday. According to the Kingport Times, the rifle-wielding woman was charged with five counts of aggravated assault for the bizarre incident that occurred in June.

A Hawkins County Sheriff Deputy’s report stated that 20-year-old Jessica Winstead and four of her teenage friends stopped on Big Elm Road on Thursday, June 13, at around 11 p.m., to explore the Sensabaugh Hollow Road railroad tunnel. The group had heard that the tunnel was haunted and planned to take some photos. A nearby neighbor, 28-year-old Brandi Lea Amey came out of her home and told the group to leave. As Winstead and her friends were driving away, Amey allegedly opened fire on the car with a BB gun, hitting the rear of the vehicle.

“Jessica stated that Brandi Lea Amey came out from the residence next to the tunnel and told them they needed to leave. As the male was getting back into the vehicle, they observed some type of firearm in Amey’s hand. Jessica said she saw the female cocking the firearm, and as they drove off, Amey fired it at them, striking the rear of the vehicle.” Lipe also stated in his report that Winstead’s left taillight was damaged.

Amey told authorities that the tunnel attracts a lot of people due to its haunted tales and she’s fed up with it. She was charged with five counts of aggravated assault for the June 13 incident and acquitted of all charges at a bench trial yesterday.

Defense attorneys noticed inconsistencies in the three witnesses’ testimonies which Judge J. Todd Ross later determined was enough to constitute an acquittal in the case.

The Sensabaugh Hollow Road railroad tunnel is located off of Big Elm Road in Church Hill, Tennessee. The location is rumored to be haunted by railroad workers.

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