Chattanooga, TN, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Marvin Lebron Fallins Sr., 55, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter after pleading guilty to the fatal shooting of Frank Usher, 29. The incident occurred during a confrontation at a party in Chattanooga, TN. Initial charges of first-degree murder were dismissed, leading to a mistrial for second-degree murder. Fallins accepted a plea deal which included an additional conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, resulting in a total sentence of 15 years.
Chattanooga, TN – Marvin Lebron Fallins Sr., aged 55, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in connection with the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Frank Usher. Fallins entered a guilty plea nearly a year after a jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict during his trial earlier this month. The shooting incident took place on March 5, 2021, inside an apartment on East 48th Street.
Initially charged with first-degree murder, Fallins faced a legal turning point when Judge Barry Steelman granted a motion for judgment of acquittal on that charge during his trial in August 2024. Consequently, the jury was limited to considering only a second-degree murder charge. After deliberating for 15 hours, the jury reached a deadlock and declared a mistrial concerning second-degree murder.
As part of a plea agreement, Fallins accepted a conviction for voluntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum possible sentence of up to 10 years. However, the plea deal added an additional five years, leading to a total sentence of 15 years. Alongside this, Fallins was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm during a secondary phase of his trial, receiving an 11-year sentence for this offense, which will run concurrently with the manslaughter sentence.
The shooting occurred at a party hosted by Fred Sails, who testified that Usher was aggressive and possessed a pistol at the time of the incident. Additional evidence suggested that Usher had been actively provoking Fallins, with Sails confirming that Usher was following and confronting Fallins during the altercation. Another potential witness, Ladaquis Southers, was present during the incident but did not support the prosecution’s case, limiting the available evidence for the jury
Fallins admitted to shooting Usher during a subsequent police interview, corroborated by the testimony of Sails. The dynamics of the trial were largely influenced by the jury’s inability to agree on the second-degree murder charge, leading all parties involved to consider the challenges that would arise in a retrial, particularly in addressing claims of self-defense.
Fallins has waived his right to appeal the sentence, effectively concluding the legal proceedings surrounding this case. His attorney has not provided any comments regarding the case.
Background Information
The case centers on the fatal shooting that occurred during a series of confrontational events in a residential setting. Gun violence remains a pertinent issue in many communities, and this case highlights the complexities involved in legal proceedings related to such incidents. Each decision made in this case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between justice and the law, particularly when confronted with questions surrounding self-defense and manslaughter.
FAQ
What was Marvin Fallins sentenced for?
Marvin Fallins was sentenced to 15 years in prison for voluntary manslaughter following the fatal shooting of Frank Usher.
What were the circumstances of the shooting?
The shooting occurred during a confrontation at a party in an apartment where Frank Usher was reported to be aggressive and armed with a pistol.
What happened during the trial?
Fallins was originally charged with first-degree murder, but after a motion for acquittal on that charge, the jury considered only second-degree murder. They subsequently declared a mistrial after failing to reach a unanimous decision.
What does voluntary manslaughter entail?
Voluntary manslaughter typically involves intentionally killing someone but under circumstances that might not warrant a murder charge, such as acting in the heat of passion.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | March 5, 2021 |
| Defendant | Marvin Lebron Fallins Sr. |
| Victim | Frank Usher |
| Original Charge | First-degree murder |
| Final Conviction | Voluntary manslaughter |
| Sentence Length | 15 years in prison |
| Key Testimony | Fred Sails; Usher was aggressive and followed Fallins |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Manslaughter
- Wikipedia: Voluntary Manslaughter
- Chattanoogan: Marvin Fallins Sentence Settled At 15 Years
- Google Search: Marvin Fallins Manslaughter
- Chattanoogan: Marvin Fallins Gets 11 Year Sentence
- Google Scholar: Voluntary Manslaughter cases
- Times Free Press: Hamilton County Judge Declares Mistrial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manslaughter
- Chattanoogan: Fallins Convicted on Felon with Gun
- Google News: Marvin Fallins
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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