JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A significant legal development has occurred in Johnson County involving a man initially charged with first-degree murder. The charges and corresponding bond for Kevin Proffitt have been lessened.

Kevin Proffitt was initially charged with first-degree murder after the alleged shooting of Kirby Proffitt on Sept. 11, 2025. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office reported deputies responded to the 800 block of Spear Branch Road and found Kirby Proffitt dead due to a gunshot wound.

Kevin Proffitt was arrested and held on a $1 million bond.

The district attorney’s office told News Channel 11 on Monday that a preliminary hearing for the case had been held, during which a judge disagreed with the state and reduced the charge to second-degree murder.

Proffitt’s bond was also reduced to $250,000 despite objections from prosecutors, the district attorney’s office reports.

Proffitt’s next court date was set for Dec. 12, 2025.