Sutton Tennyson: An American Businessman and Criminal

Sutton Tennyson was a complex man – he was an entrepreneur who owned multiple businesses, a loving father to his young son, and the ex-fiancé of a reality TV star. However under the surface, he also had a troubled past filled with criminal activity and legal issues. His life ended abruptly and violently when he was murdered outside his Atlanta home at just 37 years old.

On November 3, 2018, Sutton Tennyson was shot 13 times in the driveway of his Atlanta home. His murder shocked those close to him and made headlines across entertainment news outlets due to his connection to Angela Simmons of Run’s House fame. The tragic and senseless killing cut short the life of a man who, while flawed, was still beloved by his friends and family.

Sutton Tennyson lived a life filled with complexity – he was a businessman and ex-fiance of a celebrity who simultaneously battled criminal charges and a history of illegal activity. His relationships, career, legal issues, and eventual murder all made him a polarizing figure.

Early Life and Education

Sutton Joseph Tennyson was born on November 5, 1980 in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in the Atlanta metropolitan area and attended high school in his hometown.

After graduating, Sutton Tennyson went on to attend Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University. In 2003, he graduated with a degree in criminal justice.

Adolescence in Atlanta

Tennyson spent his formative adolescent years in Atlanta, Georgia. He attended a local Atlanta high school, where he played football and ran track.

College at Florida A&M

For his post-secondary education, Tennyson chose Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. As a student, he studied criminal justice and ultimately earned his bachelor’s degree in that field.

Career and Businesses

After college, Sutton Tennyson returned to his hometown of Atlanta. Using his strong business acumen, he launched and invested in multiple business ventures primarily centered around the service industry.

Entrepreneurial Drive

Sutton Tennyson demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. He was driven to build companies from the ground up, owning and operating businesses in industries like event promotion, marketing, and restaurants.

Throughout his career, some of Tennyson’s business ventures included:

• Sutton Management Group: An event promotion and production company
• The Brawl Sports Bar: A popular local sports bar and restaurant
• ATL Pro Girls: An entertainment company featuring promotional models and dancers

In all of his ventures, Tennyson played a very active ownership role in overseeing daily operations. He had a reputation for being hands on and emphasizing customer satisfaction.

While many of his businesses did draw local acclaim, there were also tabloid stories that his companies centered on adult entertainment services. Close friends of Tennyson’s have refuted these rumors.

Fiancé of Angela Simmons

In addition to recognition for his various companies, Sutton Tennyson also drew significant media attention for his relationship with Angela Simmons.

Simmons is a TV personality and entrepreneur best known for appearing on the show Run’s House with Rev Run from MTV. After meeting through mutual friends, Tennyson and Simmons’ relationship moved quickly – they were engaged just eight months later in 2016.

In September 2016, the couple welcomed a baby boy named Sutton Joseph Tennyson Jr. However, their romance soon dissolved and they broke off their engagement in 2017. The split was reportedly due to growing tension and multiple rumors of infidelity on Tennyson’s part.

Their messy breakup and child custody disputes often played out in the tabloids, fueled by Angela Simmons’ fame. But the exes appeared to have an amicable co-parenting relationship at the time of Tennyson’s death for the good of their son.

Criminal Past

Beyond the spotlight on his businesses and relationship, Sutton Tennyson also drew notoriety for his extensive criminal history. From drugs to violence to financial fraud, he had various run-ins with law enforcement over the years.

History of Arrests

According to court records, Sutton Tennyson was arrested at least six times from ages 25 to 35. His criminal charges included:

• 3 counts of obstruction of police officers
• 2 drug possession charges for marijuana
• Battery and cruelty to children (later dropped)
• Multiple forms of fraud and forgery

For these arrests, Tennyson faced legal consequences like probation and community service requirements. But with his repeated offenses, some later sentences resulted in actual jail time.

In addition to his arrests, Tennyson was named in multiple lawsuits over business disputes and unpaid debts. But none of these civil suits materially impacted his finances or livelihood.

Speculation Over Gang Ties

Beyond the documented charges, there was also speculation that Sutton Tennyson had ties to gang affiliates in the Atlanta area.

Tabloid media often reported on his connections with local gang members. While Tennyson firmly denied these rumors, some in law enforcement claim his murder in 2018 was likely gang-related retribution.

But with minimal evidence, it remains uncertain if or to what extent Tennyson participated in organized crime. Those close to him maintain the businessman avoided the gang lifestyle.

This aspect of his past remains shrouded in mystery with conflicting theories on both sides.

Personal Life

Beyond the headlines over his businesses and arrests, those closest to Sutton Tennyson knew him as a deeply devoted family man. While little is known about his parents or upbringing, he stayed close with his siblings and showered immense love on his baby son.

Close Relationship with His Mother

While Tennyson was quite private about his family and childhood, reports indicate he and his mother were incredibly close. She was seen frequently visiting her son at his various business locations.

And when Tennyson tragically died in 2018, his mother Deborah was utterly griefstricken. She was inconsolable at the memorial over losing her son so abruptly.

Doting Father

Without question, Tennyson’s greatest joy later in life stemmed from fatherhood.

When Angela Simmons gave birth to their son Sutton Joseph Jr. in 2016, friends say Tennyson wholeheartedly embraced his new role as a dad. He was a constant doting presence for his infant son despite splits with Angela.

Photos shared by Angela Simmons show Tennyson beaming next to baby Sutton Jr. He called fatherhood his greatest purpose and priority.

That’s why his murder just months after this toddler’s 2nd birthday devastated so many loved ones. Sutton Jr. lost his greatest fan and champion at a formative age.

Tragic End

In a devastating instant, Sutton Tennyson’s life met a tragic end barely a week after turning 37 years old. Around noon on November 3, 2018, he was shot 13 times in the driveway of his Atlanta home.

Murder in Driveway

Per case records, the assailant ambushed Tennyson in broad daylight as he returned home. He was shot repeatedly with bullets piercing his head, neck, chest, arms, and legs.

Police investigation indicated neither robbery nor burglary as motives since Tennyson still wore a $14,000 gold and diamond bracelet after his death. Instead, officials reason the ambush was likely premeditated specifically to kill Tennyson that Saturday morning.

Angela Simmons’ Grief

No one felt more anguish over Tennyson’s murder than Angela Simmons, his ex-fiance and mother of his child.

Despite their rocky romance and broken engagement, Simmons said she was still close to Tennyson as a co-parent when he died. His shocking murder left her utterly distraught.

Simmons’ Instagram tributes in the days after demonstrated her grief, love for Sutton Jr.’s dad, and quest for justice:

“Thank you for leaving behind my greatest gift. I’m hurting. I’m numb. Thank you for the out pouring of love everyone. I promise to hold SJ down in every way I promise.”

The entertainer spent monthsActivists Advance to speaking out on Tennyson’s case, attending hearings, and keeping his case in the spotlight. Like all those who knew Sutton Tennyson, his violent unsolved murder left deep scars.

Michael Williams Convicted

It took years, but justice was eventually served for Sutton Tennyson’s 2018 murder. Police pursued multiple suspects before finally arresting Michael Williams in 2020.

After prosecutors built a compelling case, a jury convicted Williams on all charges in early 2022. For the murder conviction, he received a mandatory life sentence without possibility of parole.

Closing the Case

Sutton Tennyson’s mother, Deborah, gave an emotional victim statement at Williams’ sentencing. She expressed relief at finally having closure:

“He’s taken away a big piece of me that I will never get back. To have my child at the age of 37 shot down 13 times like a dog in the streets like his life did not matter.”

For Angela Simmons and Sutton Jr., the sentencing also brought reassurance that Williams will never harm them or anyone again. Simmons posted on social media thanking prosecutors and the judge for their work securing justice.

While the pain of losing Sutton Tennyson will always linger, his loved ones find some peace knowing his killer faces consequences. The complex businessman and controversial figure leaves behind a complicated legacy – but also many who will remember him as a driven entrepreneur, loving father, and steadfast friend.

Tennyson’s Legacy

Despite his high-profile murder, Sutton Tennyson largely remains an enigma, even in death. His business ventures mostly dissolved without him at the helm. Tabloid memory of his romantic life faded as Angela Simmons moved on.

But for those in his inner circle, Tennyson leaves an indelible mark as a man of intellect, passion, and devotion to his closest loved ones.

Lasting Memory for Loved Ones

While the public spotlight has shifted away from Tennyson after the headlines over his murder subsided, his memory persists in the hearts of friends and family.

His mother, Deborah, undoubtedly grieves her son every day. Angela Simmons keeps alive his spirit for their growing toddler. And Tennyson’s business partners reminisce on both his savvy and his loyalty.

These intimates hold onto Sutton Tennyson – not the tabloid stories or criminal rap sheet – but the driven and quick-witted man they knew and cared for so deeply.

Seeds of His Work Remain

Beyond fond memories, some concrete remnants of Sutton Tennyson’s professional life also endure years later.

A few members of his inner business circle have worked to continue operating select ventures he created. For instance, his sports bar has changed names and ownership, but still stands as a neighborhood staple. Pieces of his vision thus live on.

And most importantly, his greatest legacy lies with his bright, thriving son. Almost 5 years old now, Sutton Joseph Tennyson Jr. undoubtedly carries parts of his father’s intellect, personality, and determination. Tennyson’s imprint manifests through this young boy daily.

So while the late businessman may no longer make headlines, traces of his work and passions echo on through the Atlanta communities and lives he touched.

Final Reflections on His Complex Journey

When stepping back to reflect on the tumultuous life and demise of Sutton Tennyson, a complicated picture emerges full of highs and lows. He was neither a nefarious criminal nor a flawless businessman. But like all people, he embodied myriad identities over just 37 short years of life.

Conflicting Sides to His Nature

Evaluating the legacy of Sutton Tennyson involves wrestling with his contradictory attributes. There were indeed concerning aspects like criminal offenses and unproven gossip.

However, these darker pieces of his past never fully eclipsed Tennyson’s business savvy, loyalty to friends and family, and utter devotion as a father. He carried both redeeming and troubling qualities in constant tension.

Of all those aware of Tennyson’s good and bad sides, Angela Simmons sums up these incongruities most poignantly:

“Despite our differences, I still cared and loved him unconditionally. He was still the father to my child.”

Her words reflect the messy nuances of humanity – people often resist neat boxes of “good” or “bad.” Tennyson undoubtedly exhibited both over his complex life journey.

Life Cut Woefully Short

While recognizing his checkered past, we must also acknowledge Sutton Tennyson’s immense unfulfilled promise. Like all lives taken prematurely by violence, his still had value along with inherent dignity and direction.

Who can say what Tennyson may have achieved in business or personal growth had he lived longer? Though gone too soon, his vibrant existence brought joy and purpose while it lasted.

Through this lens, we remember Sutton Tennyson not just for his death, crimes, or tabloid drama ⁠— but for fully living during his abbreviated 37 years on earth.

Tennyson has ceased making news headlines or running companies. But his dynamic energy, confidence, and love for family endure through his tight knight Atlanta community and young toddler carrying his name.