Michael Mosley acted in self defense in fatal Nashville stabbings, attorney says

Holly Meyer | Nashville Tennessean

Show Caption Hide Caption Fatal stabbings suspect Michael Mosley arrested by police Double fatal stabbings suspect Michael Mosley was arrested Wednesday in Cheatham County

The attorney for the man accused in a deadly Nashville stabbing thinks his client was defending himself during the Dec. 21 attack outside The Dogwood bar.

Defense attorney Justin Johnson, who is representing 23-year-old Michael Mosley, said that conclusion, so far, is based on his early investigation and review of a limited amount of evidence in the case. He is waiting for additional evidence to come out.

"I believe that we'll be able to show that Mr. Mosley acted in self defense," said Johnson during a Friday interview.

Mosley is facing two counts of criminal homicide and one attempted homicide charge in connection with the stabbings that killed Clayton Beathard, 22, and Paul Trapeni III, 21, and injured a 21-year-old University of Tennessee student from Franklin. Mosley is currently being held at the Davidson County Jail.

The Davidson County District Attorney's Office cannot comment on the case, Steve Hayslip, spokesman for the district attorney said.

Johnson said Mosley is sorry.

"He is truly remorseful and regretful and sorry that this happened to every family that's involved here, but he wants everyone to wait to see the evidence as it comes out," Johnson said.

More evidence is expected to be brought to light during the upcoming preliminary hearing, Johnson said. It is currently scheduled for 9:15 a.m. on Jan. 7 before Judge Melissa Blackburn.

"We're looking forward to a full hearing," Johnson said.

Nashville police believe Mosley made unwanted advances toward a woman inside the The Dogwood. It led to a verbal dispute and then a physical fight just before 3 a.m. outside the bar. The woman was a friend of the victims.

All three victims were graduates of Battle Ground Academy, an independent K-12 college preparatory school in Franklin.

Beathard was the brother of NFL quarterback C.J. Beathard of the San Francisco 49ers and country musician Tucker Beathard, son of country music songwriter Casey Beathard, and grandson of NFL executive Bobby Beathard.

Trapeni was a student at Rhodes College, according to a Facebook post by the school's student government group. His father, Dr. Paul D. Trapeni Jr., is an optometrist in Smyrna.

Funeral services for both men are slated for Saturday.

Mosley, who was added Tuesday to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list, was captured Christmas Day at an empty home in Cheatham County. More than $40,000 in rewards was offered for information leading to his arrest.

Gov. Bill Lee authorized a $10,000 contribution, a group of Nashville businesses added $20,000 and sports radio talk show host Clay Travis put up $10,000. The TBI also offered $2,500. It is not clear if anyone was eligible for the reward money.

Mosley has a criminal history.

At the time of the deadly stabbings, he was facing a felony assault charge and was free on a $5,000 bond, Davidson County court records show.

Reach Holly Meyer at hmeyer@tennessean.com or 615-259-8241 and on Twitter @HollyAMeyer.