Thomas Feminella Obituary, Death: A Fatal Shooting by Police in Bartlett, Tennessee
A man fatally shot by police in Bartlett, Tennessee, on Thursday has been identified as 30-year-old Thomas Feminella. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is currently leading an inquiry into the officer-involved shooting, which occurred during a response to a shoplifting report at a local Walmart. According to information released by TBI, the incident unfolded just before 6 p.m. on May 22, 2025 [1].
The Incident
Bartlett Police Department officers were dispatched to a Walmart located in the 8400 block of Highway 64 to respond to a shoplifting call. While officers were handling the initial report, they noticed a second individual—later identified as Thomas Feminella—who appeared to be leaving the area on foot. Officers approached Feminella in connection with the suspected theft. As they attempted to engage with him, authorities say Feminella produced a knife and began advancing toward the officers [2].
The Shooting
Despite multiple commands from the officers to drop the weapon, Feminella allegedly refused to comply. The situation escalated quickly as Feminella continued moving toward the officers with the knife in hand. The TBI reports that two of the responding officers discharged their firearms, striking Feminella near a neighboring business close to the Walmart premises. Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, and Feminella was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival [3].
Investigation
The TBI has taken over the investigation to determine the full sequence of events and assess whether the officers’ actions were justified. The investigation will examine various aspects of the case, including body camera footage (if available), witness statements, and physical evidence from the scene. At this stage of the investigation, no further information has been provided about Feminella’s alleged role in the shoplifting incident or whether he had any prior interactions with law enforcement [4].
Community Reaction
Incidents involving the use of deadly force by police often spark public interest and concern, particularly when suspects are killed during attempted arrests. Community members have expressed a mix of emotions in response to the incident, ranging from concern over public safety to questions about police use of force protocols. Local leaders and civil rights advocates often call for transparency in such cases, urging law enforcement agencies to release video footage and detailed findings to the public once investigations are concluded [5].
Conclusion
The investigation into the fatal shooting of Thomas Feminella is ongoing, and the TBI has reminded the public that its role is to gather facts and present a clear picture of what occurred so that legal authorities can determine whether the officers’ use of force was lawful. The outcome of the investigation will likely play a key role in shaping public understanding of what happened and how similar situations might be handled in the future [6].
