What was supposed to be a routine appearance for the setting of a new court date erupted into confusion and the jailing of a Crossville man for contempt of court.
Eric B. Garrison, 43, of Tima Road, appeared before Criminal Court Judge Gary McKenzie Tuesday. The grand jury has not met to act on his case, and he was simply present for receive a new appearance date.
The Public Defender’s Office was appointed to represent Garrison, and a new court date was set for May 12.
Garrison was charged in General Sessions Court with second-degree murder. The charge stems from the fatal shooting of Albert Darrell “Al” Sturgill Jr., 62, a former mechanic who worked in Fairfield Glade.
The shooting occurred in August 2025 in the area of the Veterans Memorial Park across from the Cumberland County Courthouse.
As Garrison signed a document pledging his appearance, something happened. When Garrison signed the appearance document, a commotion broke out, McKenzie looked up and saw a pen flying off the podium in front of him.
“Take him into custody,” McKenzie ordered.
“I didn’t do nothing,” Garrison replied.
Court officers moved quickly, struggled briefly with Garrison as they moved him out of the courtroom.
On the way out, Garrison expressed himself in a profanity-laced protest that ended with, “This is bull (expletive deleted).”
McKenzie had already found Garrison in contempt of court with 10 days to serve in jail (no bond). He added 10 more days for the tirade and ordered Garrison’s bond revoked.
Garrison was removed from the courtroom and led to booking to begin his contempt sentence. Family members could be heard sobbing and questioning what had happened.
Order was restored and McKenzie reminded those in the room it is a court where decorum is demanded, warning against any further outbursts.
During the next recess, Public Defender Laura Dykes, Assistant District Attorneys Philip Hatch and Allison Null and the judge met in chambers to review a video of the incident in the courtroom.
It was learned from the video the pen had not been tossed. Garrison is seen slamming the pen down on the podium, Court Officer Tommy Callahan is viewed picking up the pen and hitting the podium with it.
With this review, McKenzie withdrew his order to revoke Garrison’s $100,000 bond and allowed him to remain under the same.
The judge also reduced the contempt of court from 20 days to 10 days.
Garrison remains in jail pending completion of the contempt sentence.
The grand jury next meets April 12 and if lab results are available, along with written reports and documents, the case could be presented on that date.
Garrison is to return to court on May 12 for arraignment if a true bill is handed down in his case.