Woman claims self-defense in South Nashville shooting death

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A woman is claiming self-defense in a deadly shooting in South Nashville.

Angela James, 51, tells Metro Nashville police that 49-year-old Phillip Hawkins, Jr., held her at gunpoint while she drove around the city for two hours looking for his truck that was reportedly being driven by an acquaintance. She said he became increasingly agitated during this time.

When James and Hawkins arrived at his residence on Scotwood Drive a struggle over the gun occurred. Police say during the altercation at around 12:30 a.m. Saturday, the gun went off and hit him in the chest. They found him dead in the front seat of a white sedan.

The investigation is ongoing.