Sutton Tennyson: His Life, Tragic Death, and Legacy
Who was Sutton Tennyson? Sutton Joseph Tennyson was an Atlanta-based entrepreneur and father best known as the former fiancé of reality television star Angela Simmons. His life, marked by business ventures and personal challenges, ended tragically in 2018 when he was murdered outside his home.
Table Of Content
The story of his death, the subsequent trial, and his family’s ongoing journey highlight personal loss and broader issues of violence.
Key Details About Sutton Tennyson
This table summarizes the central facts about Sutton Tennyson’s life and legacy.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sutton Joseph Tennyson |
| Born | November 5, 1980 |
| Profession | Businessman, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Former fiancé of Angela Simmons, father of Sutton Joseph Tennyson Jr. |
| Son | Sutton Joseph “SJ” Tennyson Jr., born September 2016 |
| Death | November 3, 2018, in Atlanta, Georgia |
| Cause of Death | Fatal gunshot wounds |
| Legacy | Remembered as a devoted father, his business legacy was passed to his son |
Career and Personal Life
Sutton Tennyson built a career as an entrepreneur in Atlanta. His ventures included event promotion and a local sports bar. He was described as having a natural knack for business and was respected within his local community.
His relationship with Angela Simmons, daughter of Rev Run, brought him public attention. The couple became engaged and welcomed their son, Sutton Joseph Jr., in 2016. Their engagement ended in 2017. Despite the separation, they co-parented their son, and those close to Tennyson described him as a doting and devoted father.
The Circumstances of His Death
Sutton Tennyson was killed on November 3, 2018. He was shot multiple times in the driveway of his Atlanta home in the late afternoon. Police responded to the scene and pronounced him dead. Initial reports indicated the shooting may have followed an argument.
His funeral was held on November 10, 2018, at Elizabeth Baptist Church in Atlanta. In a social media tribute after his death, Angela Simmons wrote, “Thank you for leaving behind my greatest gift… I promise to hold SJ down in every way”.
Investigation, Trial, and Justice
The investigation led to the arrest of Michael Williams. After a trial, Williams was convicted of Sutton Tennyson’s murder in 2022.
- Michael Williams was sentenced to life in prison for the murder.
- He received an additional 15-year sentence for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
- He will be eligible for parole after serving approximately 30 years.
Following the sentencing, Angela Simmons posted on social media, stating, “Justice served today!”. She had provided an emotional victim impact statement in court, sharing how their son “constantly asks” when his father will come back.
Life for His Family After His Death
Angela Simmons and her son have navigated profound grief. Simmons has spoken publicly about the difficulty of explaining the loss to her young son. She revealed he once asked, “Why would somebody shoot him?” after learning details online.
Simmons has focused on keeping Tennyson’s memory alive for their son. On the first anniversary of his death, she posted, “Sutton, you left us exactly a year ago today… I look at him every day…and I see you so much”. In a significant move to honor his legacy, she later transferred ownership of one of Tennyson’s businesses to their son, calling him a “young CEO”.
Angela Simmons has also used her platform to discuss her own past experiences with domestic violence. She has explained that abuse is not only physical but can also be verbal, encouraging others to seek support.
The Lasting Impact of His Story
Sutton Tennyson’s story extends beyond a celebrity-adjacent tragedy. It underscores the far-reaching impact of violence on families, especially children. The grief of losing a parent shapes a child’s understanding of the world and safety.
His story also connects to wider conversations. Angela Simmons’s advocacy highlights that domestic violence is a pattern of controlling behavior that affects many. Research indicates such violence can intensify during periods of societal stress, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and thrives in silence.
Community support systems are crucial for healing. Resources like healthcare providers, shelters, and hotlines play a vital role in helping survivors and families rebuild. Open conversation and education can help break cycles of violence.
Sutton Tennyson’s life was complex, and his death was a sudden tragedy. He is remembered through the life of his son and the ongoing journey of his family. His story reminds us of the lasting consequences of violence and the enduring need for compassion and support for those affected.
