Chickamauga Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Memorial Day Crime Spree

Christopher Blake Stansell has been sentenced to 30 years, with the first 10 years to be served in confinement, for a violent series of crimes that occurred on Memorial Day in 2023. Superior Court Judge Don W. Thompson handed down the sentence on January 30, 2025, following Stansell’s non-negotiated guilty plea on November 21, 2024.

The charges against Stansell included four counts of Aggravated Assault, Home Invasion 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, and two counts of Cruelty to Children in the 1st Degree. Evidence presented during the sentencing hearing, which lasted two and a half hours, included Ring doorbell security camera footage, Chickamauga Police Department (CPD) body camera footage, and testimony from CPD Detective Ira Taylor and Patrolman Charles Dunn.

The incident unfolded on Memorial Day in 2023 when the Selimagic family hosted friends for a celebration at their home. Neighbors, the Stansells, also had guests. Throughout the day, Blake Stansell visited the Selimagic residence. Later in the evening, as the Selimagics were cleaning up, Stansell returned and became involved in a verbal altercation with David Lockhart and his sons, who were guests.

Dino Selimagic, Sr. suggested everyone go home, and the Lockharts attempted to leave in their car. As they drove past the Stansell residence after turning around in the cul-de-sac, Stansell approached their vehicle and began hitting it. The younger Lockharts exited the car and a physical altercation with Stansell ensued. Dino Selimagic, Sr.’s attempt to intervene was unsuccessful.

Following this, Stansell directed his anger towards Mr. Selimagic, accusing him of allowing the Lockharts to “beat him up.” Stansell then began verbally threatening the Selimagic family before retrieving a 9mm handgun from his home, screaming his intent to kill them all. He proceeded to the Selimagic home, firing his weapon into the residence while continuing his threats. Stansell kicked in the outer garage door and attempted to force his way through an interior door.

Unable to gain entry and out of ammunition, Stansell returned to the driveway, where he was confronted by Officer Dunn. After multiple attempts to get Stansell to drop his weapon, Officer Dunn deployed a taser and successfully took him into custody.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Bruce Roberts successfully prosecuted the case. District Attorney Clayton M. Fuller issued a statement emphasizing the lack of tolerance for violent offenders in their community, praising the bravery of Officer Dunn and the Chickamauga Police Department for stopping Stansell before a greater tragedy could occur. DA Fuller also noted the recent loss of Officer Dunn to another act of violence in the community and pledged to continue protecting the community with the same resolve.