UPDATE (July 11, 2024, 5:15 p.m.): Wanted Kevin Matthews was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound today at a hotel in Jacksonville, Florida.
The U.S. Marshal Service tracked Matthews across multiple states, ultimately locating him in Florida. Matthews shot himself as USMS personnel approached the hotel room where he was located.
The KPD is grateful for the U.S. Marshal Service for their efforts to locate Mr. Matthews.
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UPDATE (July 3, 2024, 10 a.m.): Victims and Suspects Identified from Merchant Drive Shooting
The two victims who were killed in the shooting that happened early Tuesday morning in the parking lot of The Pint House on Merchant Drive have been identified as Zachery Herrera, 28 of Knoxville, and John Goosie, 41 of Knoxville.
Two suspects were positively identified after continued investigation throughout the day on Tuesday. The investigation was led by Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives and assisted by Field Operations Officers, Organized Crime Unit detectives and Knox County Sheriff’s Office personnel.
The suspects were identified as Kevin Matthews, 40, and Steven Davis, 36.
Based on the investigation, which included a review of the business’s surveillance footage, Matthews and Davis approached the bar and started assaulting Herrera outside of the front entrance for reasons that remain unknown. Herrera was a security guard at The Pint House. Goosie was a patron who was attempting to break up the fight.
At some point during the altercation, Matthews pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots, striking both Herrera and Goosie. An adult woman also suffered minor injuries from a graze wound to the foot. Herrera died at the UT Medical Center, while Goosie died at the scene.
Matthews is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder, while Davis was charged with aggravated assault and violation of parole.
Davis was taken into custody last night by Organized Crime Unit detectives and Community Engagement Response Team officers. Davis was located in the parking lot of the Shell gas station at 6210 Asheville Highway last night just before 10 p.m.
As of this morning, efforts remain ongoing to locate Matthews, who is shown in the below picture. Anyone with information concerning Matthews’ whereabouts is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward. Matthews should be considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a shooting with multiple victims that happened early Tuesday morning on Merchant Drive.
At around 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, KPD officers responded to The Pint House at 815 Merchant Drive in regards to a shooting that occurred just outside of the front entrance of the bar.
Officers arrived on scene and located three gunshot victims. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while a second man was transported to the UT Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The third victim, an adult woman, suffered minor injuries from a grazing wound.
The suspect reportedly ran from the scene prior to officer arrival. At this time, a suspect has not been located, arrested or charged.
The motive for the shooting remains under active investigation. As of this morning, detectives are continuing to gather evidence and witness statements.
The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be provided as it progresses.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.