MURFREESBORO, TN (WSMV) -
A wedding should be a joyful occasion, but that's not the case for one family in Murfreesboro.
And it could have been worse had one wedding guest not jumped into action after the family home was sprayed by gunfire.
Family members filled the corner lot at East Chestnut and North Academy streets Monday morning. They had gathered at a Murfreesboro home to celebrate a wedding.
"We were just all having a good time at around 11:30 to 12," said witness Devorah Tuma.
But if you take a closer look, you will find bullet holes, crime scene tape and expressions of utter shock and grief.
"I'm angry and I'm hurt," said Tuma. "I'm going to try to stay strong."
Police said the family was barbecuing at the home Sunday night when someone or some group drove by and opened fire.
"All of a sudden, somebody just came by flashing," said Tuma.
Several bullets flew through the house, struck three cars and barely missed hitting small children. Channel 4 News was told there were at least 15 children playing in the yard at the time.
"They're kids. They're innocent. They did nothing," said Tuma.
Mickey Simmons, family members said, jumped in the line of fire to protect one of the kids.
"My cousin grabbed him to drop him to the ground and he got shot," said Tuma.
Simmons died a hero Monday morning.
"He's a beautiful person. He's a beautiful soul," said Tuma.
Simmons was from Alabama and this was his first trip to Murfreesboro. He just came to celebrate a wedding, but Monday night family members were planning his funeral and demanding answers.
"Whoever done it, I want them caught. I want them punished," said Tuma. "I told the detective I'm going to be his worst nightmare because I'm going to worry him to death."
Murfreesboro police aren't releasing many details. They don't have any descriptions of the shooter and they haven't said whether they think there is more than one shooter.
All they are saying at this point is to call them if you have any information.
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Mickey Simmons was killed in a Murfreesboro drive-by shooting when he tried to save the lives of children playing in yard.
