Man Strangles Pregnant Girlfriend, Fatally Shoots Her Cousin During Text-Driven Confrontation

A violent domestic dispute in Nashville has shaken the community. Tony Wray, 29, allegedly attacked his pregnant girlfriend and killed her cousin after a text message sparked a heated argument.

What police say happened

• The confrontation occurred late Tuesday night at the Harris Townhomes complex on Walker Terrace.

• Wray’s pregnant girlfriend confronted him after finding “flirty” texts between him and another woman. During the argument, investigators say Wray choked her at least three times, cutting off her speech and forcing her to use an inhaler.

• She told him she was calling his mother. In response, Wray allegedly threatened, “I will kill you and my mother.” A gun was reportedly nearby.

Family intervenes — gunfire erupts

• Her cousin, Charqwon Howse, came over to help and confronted Wray. In a sudden escalation, Wray pulled a gun and shot Howse multiple times, killing him on the sidewalk.

• Wray surrendered to police without struggle, handing over a handgun. He later claimed Howse hit him, though witnesses say no such altercation occurred.

Charges and custody

• Wray faces a charge of criminal homicide for Howse’s death. He’s also charged with aggravated assault on his pregnant girlfriend and another woman who came to her aid.

• He’s currently held on $565,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on June 13.

What This Means

This case highlights a terrifying escalation—from questions about text messages to attempted murder and homicide. It underscores the deadly potential of domestic violence and the importance of early intervention. With a pregnant victim and a slain cousin, the tragedy leaves a community reeling and facing difficult questions about domestic safety and accountability.

Bottom Line

A dispute over supposedly flirty texts turned into a deadly confrontation. The suspect now faces multiple felony charges and serious prison time. The incident is a grim reminder of how quickly domestic conflicts can spiral into fatal violence.