Johnathon Sellers, 18, who has been charged with criminal homicide by Alcoa investigators in the death of his mother, Kelly Brackin, appeared in court Monday. The hearing lasted fewer than 60 seconds, where the judge determined Sellers was indigent and assigned him public counsel. 

Previous story: Blount County man charged with mother’s murder following officer-involved shooting in Sevier County

Sellers was arrested after a high-speed pursuit Friday morning involving multiple agencies. It began when Pigeon Forge police attempted to pull him over for suspected impaired driving. When he would not stop, investigators say they followed him into Gatlinburg, back into Pigeon Forge, and eventually Sevierville. Their officers set out a spike strip and stopped his car. A news release revealed when Sellers got out of his car with a shotgun, three Pigeon Forge officers fired. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating.

While no details were revealed in court regarding the homicide charge, an arrest warrant shows that investigators have physical evidence, witnesses and admission supporting their theory. Sellers’s finger was on the trigger of the shotgun that killed his mother. 

A close friend of Brackin’s, who wanted to remain anonymous, had this to say about her Monday:
“She was a good, Christian woman. She loved her kids. It is unfortunate what happened, but she would not want any negativity coming from this.”

That friend also said Brackin worked as a caregiver, spending her time taking care of the elderly. 

Sellers’ next court appearance is April 29 at 1:30 p.m.