On September 20, 2020, Jacob Gardner was found dead. Months earlier, Jake's place of business had come under attack during a massive riot. Armed with a handgun, Jake confronted some of the attackers and was physically assaulted by James Scurlock and other young people. When James placed him in a chokehold, Jake shot backwards over his shoulder, killing James. His autopsy revealed that James had methamphetamine and cocaine in his system. A prosecuting attorney declined to file charges, finding that the shooting was clearly an act of self-defense, which led to a "senseless but justified" result. However, when this decision caused a political uproar, a special prosecutor was appointed. Jake was charged with manslaughter and other felonies, with a potential sentence of up to 95 years. Having left the area to protect himself and his family from hundreds of death threats, and in despair of being forced to return, Jake took his own life.