US country singer Randy Howard shot and killed by bounty hunter
'Outlaw' singer shot dead at home after missing court date for drink-driving charge.
A US bounty hunter trying to detain a country music singer wanted on a driving under the influence of alcohol charge shot and killed the man in a gunfight at the singer's home, authorities said.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was looking into the circumstances of Tuesday night's shooting of 65-year-old Randy Howard, agency spokesman Josh DeVine said.
Howard was a member of country music's "Outlaw" movement, which rejected Nashville's polished music in favour of a rougher sound. Howard shared the stage with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Hank Williams Jr, and has written songs for Hank Williams III, according to Howard's LinkedIn site.
Hank Williams III posted a picture on his Facebook page on Thursday of him and Howard smiling together under the words "RIP Randy Howard".
Howard had been charged with DUI, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm while intoxicated and driving on a revoked licence, DeVine said. But he missed a court appearance, DeVine said.
Howard's friend Terry Dotson told Nashville TV station WSMV that he had tried to drive Howard to his court appearance, but the singer brushed him off. On Tuesday night, bounty hunter Jackie Shell showed up at Howard's home to take him into custody, DeVine said. Howard opened fire, Shell shot back and Howard was killed, DeVine said.