Fort Bragg Soldier Charged in Christmas Eve Killing of Uncle in Roane County, Tennessee

A soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the Christmas Eve death of his uncle in Roane County, Tennessee. The case involves a history of legal issues for both the soldier and the victim.

Details of the Shooting

On December 24, 2025, deputies responded to a shooting in a wooded area near Highway 70 and Fire Tower Road in Rockwood, Tennessee. Tommy Cooper, 48, was found deceased from an apparent gunshot wound . Authorities determined that Jacob Stinnett, 24, was responsible for the shooting .

Arrest and Charges

An arrest warrant for Stinnett was obtained on February 20, 2026, charging him with one count of second-degree murder . He was taken into custody on February 23, 2026, at Fort Bragg by the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division and is currently awaiting extradition to Tennessee .

Previous Legal Issues

Tommy Cooper had previous run-ins with the law. In July 2025, bounty hunters discovered a cache of explosives on his property, leading to a law enforcement response involving the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, and Knox County Sheriff’s Office . He was subsequently charged with four counts of prohibited weapons charges. During his arrest, authorities found Cooper in possession of a military rocket launcher .

Investigation and Statements

The investigation into the Christmas Eve shooting was initiated at the request of 9th Judicial District Attorney General Russell Johnson . The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Roane County Sheriff’s Office collaborated on the investigation . The U.S. Army at Fort Bragg stated they are cooperating with local authorities and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division .

Disclaimer: The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.