Argument between neighbors turns deadly in Cedar Hill

by Loyd Brumfield of Cedar Hill TODAY

An argument apparently escalated into a physical confrontation that left one man dead and another charged with murder after a shooting in Cedar Hill on July 28.

Leonard Earl Nettles, 48, was charged in the death of Jerry Lee Kersee, 48, who was pronounced dead at 12:37 a.m. July 29 at Methodist Charlton Medical Center.

The victim and suspect, neighbors who lived on Matterhorn, were at a get-together at a home on the street when the shooting occurred, Cedar Hill Police Lt. Steve Lafferty said.

Two guests at the party called police and paramedics, who treated Kersee for two gunshot wounds to the chest.

At least six police officers responded, Lafferty said, and found Nettles standing in his driveway after witnesses named him as the suspect.

Police arrested him without incident, Lafferty said.

Police interviewed several witnesses and Nettles, who was charged and transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center at 3 p.m. July 30.

He is being held on $1 million bond, Lafferty said.

The shooting occurred in the home's backyard, where a barbecue was being held, Lafferty said.

No one else was hurt or was involved in the incident, he said.

Criminal investigators expect to file charges with the Dallas County District Attorney's office early next week, Lafferty said.