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Ex-bondsman convicted of aggravated assault


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Jurors convicted a former bondsman of reckless aggravated assault, a crime carrying a maximum four years in jail.

Former bondsman Matt Garrett, 28, of Shoshone Place, was convicted of he lesser charge after he was originally charged with aggravated assault, a more serious crime.

Garrett pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault of Troy Lynch, 45, of Tedder Boulevard, who suffered multiple injuries when Garrett allegedly punched him May 11 outside Kroger on Middle Tennessee Boulevard.

Lynch testified he didn’t remember what happened.

Garrett testified the two were involved in a road rage situation. He punched Lynch because he was scared of him and feared he had a gun.

A Circuit Court jury of eight women and four men deliberated a couple of hours before returning the verdict. Circuit Court Judge Don Ash will sentence Garrett April 12.

Assistant District Attorney Jude Santana said the most moving testimony came from Lynch’s father, Billy, who said the tornado that destroyed his son and daughter-in-law’s home was nothing compared to what happened May 11 because it left his son with permanent injuries.

“Any punishment Matt Garrett pales compared to the harm that Mr. Lynch has suffered and will continue to suffer,” Santana said.

Defense attorney Guy Dotson Jr. could not be reached for comment.

During closing arguments, Santana said Garrett could have made different choices like calling the police.

“He committed an assault,” Santana told jurors. “He admitted to the assault.”

Lynch suffers from memory problems, losses in his sense of smell and hearing, can’t drive and cannot work at his old job.

“There was serious bodily injury,” Santana said, later adding, “Garrett has committed the offense of aggravated assault.”

In his closing, Dotson Jr. said Garrett made a bad decision to pull into the parking lot with Lynch.

“I thought this was a mutual combat case,” Dotson told jurors, explaining if one is invited to a fist fight, one should expect a fight.

Garrett was there to be a bully but when he saw Lynch’s bigger size, he became scared. He stood his ground.

“The question is, was Mr. Garrett scared?” Dotson asked.

Jurors must decide the extent of Garrett’s fear, he said.

“I guess it’s a guy thing,” Dotson said, noting that after Garrett punched Lynch, he steps back and looks before driving away. “There was no reason for him to stay there and fight him.”

Dotson said Garrett acted in self-defense and should be found not guilty.

In the final argument, Santana said he didn’t believe Garrett was scared but performed a “sneak attack” on Lynch.

“We ask you to return a verdict of guilty as charged,” Santana said.
 
 
 
Tagged under  Matt Garrett, Troy Lynch


Member Opinions:
By: jkryani on 2/19/10
I wish this guy could have gotten a tougher sentence, but the law is the law. He has ruined a young man's life forever. I'm just glad he is getting some punishment and maybe he will stop doing this type of thing as I have heard he has done it to other people but they were afraid to come forward.

By: strateflush on 2/19/10
Matt has been a loose cannon for years - brewing for a fight with anyone that would even look crossways at him. This is no surprise at all. Hopefully he can find a way to live that does not involve such behaviour.

By: rndnrnd on 2/19/10
He'll have plenty of time to lift weights in jail and he'll discover just how tough he really is.
His life is ruined too after civil suits.
Show him da' money!!

By: canalou on 2/19/10
A relative of the victim advises he's permanently impaired, with severe brain trauma....four years seems awfully light, whereas, Matt can resume his life at age 32...maybe the penitentiary will deal with his infamous temper tantrums and fights....our prayers go to the victim, his family, and the family of crazy Matt...

By: drnitemare on 2/19/10
I would say the sentence will most likely be probation and court costs and fines. Both men were in the wrong. My sister is the same way. She blows her horn in traffic when someone maybe 4 cars above does not move when a light turns green and I say this will happen to her soon. Don't instigate and don't follow people when you get angry driving people. Just leave it as a lesson learned. There is entirely too much road rage happening these days and it's pathetic. Someone cusses me or shoots me the bird, I smile and drive on. If it persists and someone follows you, pick up the phone and call Murfreesboro's finest. Funny how grown people act like grammar school kids sometimes.

By: Boo on 2/20/10
drnitemar- I couldn't have said it better!

By: attagirl on 2/20/10
hewosin, you spout off about us hiding behind screennames, but I noticed you didn't leave your real name either.

Your friend was convicted by a jury of his peers. That means he is guilty of reckless aggravated assault. Apparently your friend has a history of violence, and it has apparently caught up with him.

Maybe you should choose better friends.

By: momx5 on 2/20/10
Save road rage for IN your car...no one can hear and you can blow off steam.

By: theTruth on 2/20/10
well well well...Mr. Garrett was tried and convicted. About time!. His last little incident got swept under the rug, which is why he has "no prior convictions." As to hewosin, it sounds like you might be part of the little party crowd he runs around with. Maybe one day you'll grow up and and take ff your rose colored glasses. This trial proved Mr. Garrett is a bully and there are plenty of people in Murfreesboro who will agree with that.

By: LOL on 2/22/10
I think that probation would be appropriate. I don't think Mr. Lynch was completely innocent in all this. He made some bad choices just like Mr. Garrett did.

By: arun on 2/23/10
I think Matt Garrett should have gotten more than 4 years.He ruined Troy linch's life over road rage! In fact it changed their whole family's life.People need to learn to control their temper & not let it get out of control.My prayers are with the Lynch family

By: EricClay on 7/4/10
I just found this great news! Matt Garrett is the biggest douchebag moron I've ever met in my life (notice how nobody says ANYTHING nice about this jackwagon). He thinks he cool because he likes to party with underage girls, he buys steroids on the black market (and takes them) and then goes around roid/road raging people putting victims in comas. Yeah real cool idiot! All I can say is it's about time! This guy seriously has the IQ of a grapefruit! Good luck in jail Matt! Don't drop the soap you punka** jerk!

p.s. I hope that Mr. Lynch is doing better

By: Time4Justice2 on 1/12/11
Great Job Guy Dodson Jr. I hope we get a quilty verdict on your next trial (rape of a child)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Judges and Lawyers in Murfresboro my try to set you free but the Great citizens of Murfreesboro that are selected for the jury will convict you of the horrible crimes that you do in their city!


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