State of Tennessee v. Brendan T. Negron, M2024-00257-CCA-R3-CD

Brendan T. Negron was convicted by a Wilson County, Tennessee jury of aggravated domestic assault against his wife in 2020, based on the use of a heavy, wrought iron barstool.
The victim testified Negron threw a barstool that knocked her down, then struck her and threatened to kill her.
Negron argued on appeal that the barstool was not a deadly weapon under Tennessee law and disputed his intent to cause serious harm.
The trial court sentenced Negron to five years on supervised probation; he appealed, seeking a reduction to misdemeanor domestic assault.
The appellate court considered whether the evidence was legally sufficient to establish assault with a deadly weapon, focusing on the statutory definitions and the manner of use.

Issue	Negron's Argument	State's Argument	Held
Was the barstool a "deadly weapon" as used?	Barstool not used or intended to inflict death/serious injury.	Heavy barstool, manner of use could cause death/serious injury.	Affirmed conviction; jury could reasonably find barstool was used as deadly weapon.
Was the evidence sufficient for aggravated assault?	Should reduce to misdemeanor domestic assault; no deadly weapon used.	All elements of aggravated assault met, including use of deadly weapon.	Evidence was sufficient; conviction upheld.

State v. McGouey, 229 S.W.3d 668 (Tenn. 2007) (item only considered a deadly weapon if actually used or intended to cause death/serious injury in the particular case)
State v. Bland, 958 S.W.2d 651 (Tenn. 1997) (appellate courts do not reweigh or reevaluate evidence; credibility determined by trier of fact)
State v. Cabbage, 571 S.W.2d 832 (Tenn. 1978) (jury verdict entitles State to strongest legitimate view of trial evidence)
State v. Grace, 493 S.W.2d 474 (Tenn. 1973) (jury resolves conflicts and determines credibility of witnesses)
Morgan v. State, 415 S.W.2d 879 (Tenn. 1967) (discusses definition and categories of deadly weapons)