Robert Brogden Mt. Juliet TN Death and Obituary – A deadly shooting and prolonged police standoff at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, has left three men dead, sending shockwaves through the local community and prompting an extensive investigation by state authorities. The victims have been identified as 52-year-old Robert Brogden, 43-year-old Matthew Jones, and 45-year-old Gary Haley Jr., who was named by law enforcement as the suspected shooter.
According to officials, the tragic incident unfolded late on the evening of January 30 and extended into the early morning hours of January 31, 2026, at the popular Cedar Creek Marina on Saundersville Road. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) confirmed it is leading an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal confrontation.
Police were first alerted to the situation at approximately 9:30 p.m. on January 30 after receiving reports of a man threatening individuals on the marina docks. Responding officers began searching the area when gunfire was heard, escalating the situation into an active and dangerous scene.
During the initial stages of the incident, Robert Brogden was found suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency responders transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Brogden’s death has been described by officials as one of the earliest confirmed fatalities linked to the confrontation.
Another victim, Matthew Jones, was also discovered with a fatal gunshot wound. Authorities pronounced Jones dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet released detailed information regarding his involvement or why he was present at the marina during the shooting, and they continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.
Law enforcement identified Gary Haley Jr. as the suspected shooter. Officers later located Haley near the end of the marina’s C-Dock, where he was believed to be positioned on or inside one of the boats. Due to the severity of the threat, the Mt. Juliet Police Department activated its Special Response Team. The response was further complicated by freezing temperatures and icy dock conditions.
In the early hours of January 31, Haley allegedly fired at responding officers. Five Mt. Juliet police officers returned fire in what authorities described as self-defense. Haley was subsequently found deceased at the scene. Officials confirmed that no police officers were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
The TBI is now conducting a comprehensive review of the incident, including officer actions, timelines, and the sequence of events that led to the three deaths. Once the investigation is complete, findings will be submitted to the District Attorney General’s Office for further evaluation.
The shooting has deeply affected Mt. Juliet residents, transforming a marina typically associated with recreation and tranquility into the site of a tragic and violent event. As families mourn the loss of Robert Brogden and Matthew Jones, community members are calling for answers, accountability, and healing. Funeral and memorial arrangements have not yet been announced, and authorities continue to request respectful and accurate sharing of information as the investigation remains ongoing.