UPDATE (July 6, 2025, 6:30 p.m.): Following continued investigation into the homicide that occurred this morning at an apartment complex on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Wayne Parham, 28 of Knoxville, has been charged with second-degree murder. Parham is accused of shooting the victim, identified as 48-year-old Michael Velazquez, following a dispute.

Parham is not in custody and efforts to locate him remain ongoing at this time.

Anyone with information concerning Parham’s 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.

The investigation is continuing.

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The Knoxville Police Department’s Homicide Unit is investigating after a man was found dead at an apartment complex on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue early Sunday morning.

At around 7:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, KPD officers were dispatched to 827 Howard Baker Jr. Avenue to investigate a shooting with a victim. Officers arrived on scene and found an adult man who had been shot at least one time. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Based on the findings of the preliminary investigation, it is believed that the shooting stemmed from an altercation involving the victim and another individual, who left the scene prior to officer arrival. Efforts remain ongoing to identify and locate the suspect.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a cash reward.

The investigation is ongoing.