Dalton “Chud the Builder” Eatherly just hit another legal wall in his attempted murder case after a Tennessee judge ruled he cannot use newly raised crowdfunding money toward his $1 million bond.
The controversial livestreamer appeared in Montgomery County court this week as investigators detailed what prosecutors say happened outside the Clarksville courthouse on May 13. Eatherly, 28, faces attempted murder and multiple firearm-related charges after allegedly shooting Joshua Fox, a Black disabled veteran, during a confrontation tied to Eatherly’s online conduct and inflammatory content.
According to investigators, surveillance footage showed Eatherly approaching Fox before the interaction escalated into a verbal dispute. Detectives testified that Eatherly then reached into his jacket where a firearm was visible, despite later claiming he had only been reaching for mace. Authorities recovered seven shell casings from the scene, and Fox suffered gunshot wounds to the torso and arm. Investigators also believe Eatherly accidentally shot himself during the struggle.
Judge H. Reid Poland III reduced Eatherly’s original $1.25 million bond to $1 million but ruled that any crowdfunding money raised after May 13 cannot be used toward securing his release. The decision comes after supporters reportedly donated more than $270,000 through GiveSendGo campaigns tied to the streamer.
Investigators also testified that a search of Eatherly’s property uncovered a plane ticket to Istanbul scheduled for May 22, along with body armor, ammunition, a rifle, and a shotgun. Prosecutors used those findings to argue Eatherly posed both a flight risk and a danger to the community.
The case has drawn national attention not only because of the shooting itself, but because of Eatherly’s online history. Authorities say electronic devices seized during the investigation contained videos where he directed racial slurs at strangers and referred to Black people using racist language. Eatherly continues to claim he acted in self-defense.
