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Country singer Wayne Mills dies after bar shooting

A Nashville musician died Saturday after being shot in the head at a downtown bar. Metro police identified the victim as Jerald Wayne Mills, 44, a member of the Wayne Mills Band. According to police, Mills was shot at about 5 a.m. during an argument at Pit and Barrel, which is located on 2nd Avenue South. Investigators believe Mills was shot by the business owner, Chris Michael Ferrell, 44.
Image: Wayne Mills
Wayne Mills was shot by a bar owner.Today

A Nashville musician died Saturday after being shot in the head at a downtown bar.

Metro police identified the victim as Jerald Wayne Mills, 44, a member of the Wayne Mills Band.

According to police, Mills was shot at about 5 a.m. during an argument at Pit and Barrel, which is located on 2nd Avenue South.

Investigators believe Mills was shot by the business owner, Chris Michael Ferrell, 44. Ferrell claimed it was an act of self-defense, according to police.

Police say Ferrell and Mills were inside the bar with a few friends and acquaintances.

Michael Scott, a friend who was with Mills and the group, tells Channel 4 News that Mills and Ferrell started arguing when Mills began to smoke in a non-smoking area.

Others in the group left the bar during the argument and reported hearing gunshots.

Mills was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center, where he died from his injuries.

Scott says the group of friends attended the George Jones tribute concert Friday night and then went drinking at a couple of bars before going to Pit & Barrel. He says he can not imagine what could have caused Ferrell to shoot Mills.

Ferrell has a valid handgun carry permit. The investigation is ongoing.