UPDATE (April 26, 2024, 1:40 p.m.): Homicide Unit detectives have obtained a warrant charging Michael Merrick, 49, with second-degree murder in the shooting death of 49-year-old Nicole Fanney.

Fanney was found dead inside of her apartment at 3210 Atchley Ridge Way late Thursday night.

The shooting is believed to be domestic in nature.

Merrick left the scene prior to officer arrival, but was taken into custody late last night in Whitley County, Kentucky for DUI. He is currently being held at the Whitley County Detention Center, and will soon be extradited back to Knoxville.

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Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are pursuing strong leads after responding to a deadly shooting at a West Knoxville apartment late Thursday night.

At around 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2024, KPD officers were dispatched to an apartment at 3210 Atchley Ridge Way in regards to a deceased person. Officers arrived on scene and found a woman inside of the apartment who had been shot multiple times. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

A suspect has not been arrested or charged at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.