GUILTY TN - Jackie Warpoole, 47, killed in road rage incident, Smyrna, 15 Dec 2013

Suspect Edgar Domonique Covington, 23, of Nashville will appear in court for trial in April of next year (2017).

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The attorney for a man accused of shooting a driver in a road rage incident in Smyrna in 2013 contends an expert witness is needed to help a jury understand the levels of alcohol and any other drugs in the victim's system on the night of the incident.

In a preliminary hearing Thursday afternoon, Kimberly argued that understanding the levels of alcohol and other drugs in Warpoole’s system is key to Covington’s defense and the defendant is entitled to an expert witness is needed to explain it to a jury.

“The issue here is the jury needs help making a decision,” Kimberly said.

Assistant District Attorney J. Paul Newman countered the state has a report from another expert witness that says much of what Walker contends so the defendant doesn’t need his own expert.

“It’s obvious (Warpoole) was intoxicated. … No one is going to say what (state’s witness Dawn Canady) said about his actions is untrue,” Newman said.

After hearing from the state and defense, Judge David Bragg said he will review the testimony and will make a ruling in the next 10 days.

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Edgar Domonique “Dom” Covington, 25, of Nashville, was charged with fatally shooting Jackie Warpoole Jr., 47, of Smyrna on Dec. 15, 2013, on I-24 near the Almaville Road exit in Smyrna. He was charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon in the commission of a felony and reckless endangerment.

On Thursday, Covington pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a heavier sentence than that charge would normally carry, Assistant District Attorney J. Paul Newman said.

A manslaughter charge carries a sentence of three to six years with parole available after serving 30 percent, Newman explained. Covington agreed to serve 12 years at 45 percent. With jail credit, Covington will be eligible for parole in 2020.

“I have talked to the family on several occasions and they were wonderful to work with,” Newman said, adding Warpoole’s widow Angela Warpoole approved of the plea agreement.

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