According to a press release issued this week by the district attorney’s office, earlier this year, Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson sentenced Christopher Blake Stansell to 30 years in prison , with the first 10 years in confinement. Stansell was found guilty of four counts of Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, and two counts of Cruelty to Children 1st Degree. He had entered a non-negotiated guilty plea on November 21, 2024, and a pre-sentence investigation was ordered.

The sentencing hearing lasted two and a half hours, during which evidence was presented, including security camera footage and police body camera footage from the incident, along with testimony from Detective Ira Taylor and Officer Charles Dunn.

The incident occurred on Memorial Day 2023 when the Selimagic family hosted a celebration with friends. The Stansell family also had gatherings next door. Blake Stansell visited the Selimagics and later had a verbal altercation with David Lockhart and his sons, who were guests. Mr. Selimagic suggested the Lockharts leave, but as they drove away, Stansell approached their car and hit it. A physical fight broke out between the Lockharts and Stansell. Afterward, Stansell verbally threatened the Selimagic family and retrieved a 9mm handgun, shouting threats to kill them. He fired into their home, kicked in the garage door, and attempted to enter the house. After running out of ammunition, he was confronted by Officer Dunn, who used a Taser to subdue him.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Bruce Roberts. District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller expressed that violent offenders have no place in the community and commended Officer Dunn for his bravery in the situation.