CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Hamilton County jury has convicted Kristijan Mrkonjic of first-degree premeditated murder and other charges in connection with a violent 2021 shooting at the now-defunct SkyZoo Bar. The verdict, which followed extensive deliberations that began Wednesday afternoon, marks a significant development in a case that has captured local attention due to its brutal nature and complex legal proceedings.
In addition to convicting Mrkonjic of first-degree premeditated murder, the jury found him guilty of attempted second-degree murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, and evading arrest in a motor vehicle. The series of events, as presented in court, depicted a premeditated attack that culminated in the death of 32-year-old Eric Grant and serious injuries to another individual.
The prosecution argued that Mrkonjic had planned the attack, arming himself and waiting to confront the victims in the parking lot of the bar. According to 11th Judicial District Chief Homicide Prosecutor Paul Moyle, Mrkonjic’s actions were calculated and deliberate, leading up to the fatal shooting. “He had to arm himself, didn’t he? He had to wait for ten minutes. He then confronted them and cut them off in the parking lot. He then said you are going to die. You’re going to die. And what does the person do? That he said that to? He dies,” Moyle stated during the proceedings.
Defense attorney Walter “Rip” Biggs presented a contrasting narrative, suggesting that Mrkonjic acted in self-defense. Biggs highlighted the chaotic scene outside the bar, implying that his client believed he was in imminent danger. “That wasn’t real when the group of people that’s going to beat you down. Serious bodily injury. You think you’d be seriously hurt if somebody stomped your head, kicked you in the vital organs? It doesn’t require anyone to pull a gun, but I think they did have one. They all did. Mr. Rice said he had a gun. He lied to you and said oh, it got stolen. I’ll play you the video again if you want to see it,” Biggs argued.
During the trial, the jury heard from 15 witnesses, and the closing arguments stretched from the morning into the early afternoon. The prosecution worked to dismantle the self-defense claim, with Executive Assistant District Attorney Kevin Loper pointing out inconsistencies and urging the jury to focus on the evidence presented, including law enforcement response times and weapon possession.
The jury’s decision followed a retrial for Mrkonjic, who had been previously convicted in the case. Throughout the legal process, various aspects of the incident were scrutinized, from the actions leading up to the shooting to the aftermath, which included a police pursuit involving a vehicle registered to Mrkonjic.
As Mrkonjic awaits sentencing, the community and the families involved are left to grapple with the outcome of a case that has brought profound tragedy and legal complexities to the forefront. The trial, apart from addressing the criminal charges, also highlighted the broader issues of firearm violence and public safety, reflecting ongoing societal debates surrounding these pressing challenges.