(UPDATE: July 25, 2024, 6:40 p.m.): Tavares Harrison, 26, has been charged with second-degree murder after continued investigation into the death of a man in the 9900 block of Kingston Pike.

The investigation began at around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, when Knoxville Police Department officers responded to the Cokesbury United Methodist Church. Officers responded to the church after Harrison showed up with non-life-threatening stab wounds.

Continued investigation led officers to an encampment in the area of Kingston Pike and I-140, where a man was found dead. The victim, who was positively identified as a 55-year-old man, died by apparent blunt force trauma.

The deceased was transported to the Regional Forensic Center for autopsy and further investigation. The autopsy revealed that the victim was struck numerous times with an axe.

Harrison was treated at an area hospital for the stab wounds and questioned by Homicide Unit detectives following his release.

It is alleged that Harrison and the victim were engaged in a fight when Harrison struck the victim with the axe.
Harrison is in custody and will be booked into the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility shortly.

The identity of the victim is being withheld at this time, pending next of kin notification.

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An investigation is underway after KPD officers responded to the Cokesbury United Methodist Church at around 11:45 a.m. this morning to investigate a report of a stabbing victim.

Officers were dispatched to the church after a man had shown up with non-life-threatening stab wounds. Further investigation led officers to the area of Kingston Pike and I-140, where another man was found dead.

The man who initially showed up at Cokesbury Church has been detained for questioning. There are no outstanding suspects, and the investigation is in the preliminary stages.