Country singer Randy Howard was killed in a shootout with a bounty hunter at his home in Lynchburg, Tennessee, several media outlets reported Thursday. He was 65.
Howard was reportedly shot and killed after opening fire on a bounty hunter who had attempted to detain him at his residence Tuesday night, according to local NBC affiliate WSMV. Howard had reportedly missed a court appearance and faced an arrest warrant on charges of “fourth offense DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a gun while intoxicated and driving on a revoked license.”
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is reportedly investigating the incident.
Howard performed with country superstars Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings and found moderate success with his own music. According to Billboard, Howard’s 1983 album All-American Redneck reached No. 41 on the Top Country Albums chart, and his version of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” peaked at No. 66 on the Hot Country Songs chart in 1988. Howard released his debut album, Now and Then, in 1976.
According to WSMV, the bounty hunter was hit by a bullet fired by Howard. He is reportedly expected to recover from his injuries.
Country musician Hank Williams III posted his condolences on Facebook Thursday.
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