Man gets probation in East Nashville shooting death

A man who shot and killed his half-brother during an argument in August pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and was sentenced to four years of probation on Thursday, according to court records and attorneys in the case.

John Ross, 54, was charged after the shooting in the 1600 block of Cahal Avenue, near Scott Avenue, on Aug. 28. The victim, 63-year-old George Baker Jr., was shot in the head. He died from the gunshot wound at Vanderbilt University Medical Center four days later, court records say.

Jeffrey Daigle, Ross' attorney, called the resolution fair and appropriate for the circumstances of the case. He said self-defense could have been a factor.

"I don’t think my client had any intention to shoot his brother," Daigle said. He said alcohol led to the disagreement, which was more like a "brotherly squabble," and was not severe enough to kill someone over.

A witness to the shooting said the half-brothers were arguing and Ross had a gun. The witness told police Ross pointed the gun at Baker, and Baker challenged Ross, according to court records. Ross then shot Baker in the forehead one time, the documents say.

Ross called police after the shooting. Police found a .22-caliber revolver at the home.

Reach Stacey Barchenger at 615-726-8968 or on Twitter @sbarchenger.