Dalton Eatherly, a 28-year-old livestreamer known as "Chud the Builder," has been charged with attempted criminal homicide after authorities say he shot Joshua Fox outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville, Tennessee. Both men were wounded; Fox was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for emergency surgery. Judge Reid Poland III set bond at $1.25 million, and Eatherly faces multiple counts including using a firearm during a dangerous felony and aggravated assault. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 26.
Livestreamer 'Chud the Builder' Charged With Attempted Murder After Clarksville Courthouse Shooting; Bond Set at $1.25M
WSMV
Dalton Eatherly, 28, a livestreamer who posts under the name "Chud the Builder," appeared in a Tennessee courtroom Friday facing attempted criminal homicide and related charges after authorities say he shot a man outside the Montgomery County Courthouse in Clarksville.
Allegations and Charges
According to an arrest warrant, Eatherly got into an argument Wednesday afternoon with another man identified by officials as Joshua Fox. The warrant says Eatherly turned into a “bladed stance,” reached into his jacket for a firearm, and a physical altercation followed. Authorities say Eatherly fired his weapon and that Fox was struck multiple times.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said Eatherly faces multiple counts, including attempted criminal homicide, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon.
Court Appearance and Bond
At the arraignment, General Session Court Judge Reid Poland III set bond at $1.25 million, citing the number of bystanders in the courthouse courtyard and the seriousness of the alleged felonies. The judge noted that a conviction for attempted criminal homicide could carry a sentence of 15 to 60 years in a Tennessee state penitentiary.
The Nashville Police Department released a booking photo of Dalton Eatherly after his May 9 arrest. - Nashville Police Department
Injuries, Evidence and Immediate Aftermath
Both men were reported wounded. Fox was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and underwent emergency surgery; Eatherly was also treated for gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a ricocheting projectile striking nearby walls and confirms several bystanders were present when shots were fired around 1:20 p.m., according to the warrant.
In a livestream recorded after the shooting, Eatherly told first responders he had been approached by a man who said "I have PTSD" and described being struck before he fired, asserting he acted in self-defense.
Online History and Prior Incidents
Records and social media attributed to Eatherly show a history of posting racially charged videos and using racial slurs toward Black people and other minorities; at least one online incident is said to include use of force against a Black person. After the courthouse shooting, Eatherly livestreamed his account of events.
Separately, Eatherly was arrested the previous Saturday in Nashville following an incident at a restaurant. Affidavit records say staff had asked him not to livestream and to stop being disruptive; he was later charged with theft of services (a $371.55 bill), disorderly conduct and resisting arrest and released on a $5,000 bond. Court records also list a civil matter in Montgomery County involving Midland Credit Management Inc., in which Eatherly is alleged to owe about $3,300.
Next Steps
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 26. Attorney Jake Fendley was appointed to represent Eatherly at the hearing; court records indicate he has represented Eatherly previously. Prosecutors and defense counsel have been contacted for comment.
Note: This article summarizes allegations from arrest warrants and court records. Charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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