Attorney: Teshaun Hightower Is Innocent After Arrest on Murder Charge

Former Tulane basketball player Teshaun Hightower has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault and more following a fatal shooting April 8, but his attorney has maintained Hightower's innocence.

"He's innocent. He didn't shoot anybody," Averick Walker said of Hightower, per Mark Schlabach of ESPN. "It's sad that this detective sought to make him out to be a monster and he's not. When it's all said and done, it will come out in the wash that the person who did fire the gun shot the gun to protect Teshaun.

"Teshaun's brother actually fired the weapon and fired in self-defense," the attorney added.

In addition to the felony murder and aggravated assault charges, Hightower has also been charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and battery.

Hightower and his brother, Jeffery, are both being held without bond at the Henry County Jail in Georgia.

The police department initially announced six people were subjects involved in the homicide of Devante Anthony Long. Five are now in custody.

An investigation resulted in a murder charge for Hightower, but Walker alleged Long had a gun in his hand and his client had a right in Georgia to stand his ground.

Tulane dismissed the guard from the team following his initial arrest.

The former Georgia transfer was the Green Wave leading scorer in 2019-20, averaging 15.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.