UPDATE (May 13, 2026, 10:30 am):

Deontae Buford, 25 of Knoxville, has been arrested and charged in connection to the death of Perry Baker, who was killed in a deadly shooting that happened Sunday at a Lula Powell Drive apartment.

Following continued investigation led by KPD Homicide Unit detectives, including a review of surveillance footage, it is believed that Buford and another man entered the apartment in a suspected attempted robbery. Buford and the other man then fled the scene.

Buford was taken into custody on charges that include first degree murder, aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony and fugitive from justice. At the time of his arrest, Buford was wanted out of Michigan for child abuse.

Efforts remain ongoing to identify the second man who was involved in the shooting.

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UPDATE (May 12, 2026, 10 am):

The victim of the deadly shooting that happened at a Lula Powell Drive apartment on Sunday has been identified as Perry Baker, DOB 1/8/95 of Michigan.  

A suspect has not been arrested or charged, and KPD Homicide Unit detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Baker’s death.

Detectives are pursuing strong leads.

Anyone with information that could assist is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 877-363-8847. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a cash reward.

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Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are investigating a suspected homicide that happened at a Lula Powell Drive apartment.

At around 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, 2026, KPD officers responded to a welfare check at an apartment at 1100 Lula Powell Drive. Once inside, officers found a man who was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Further investigation revealed that the man had been shot at least one time.

The victim, an adult man who has not yet been positively identified, was transported to the Regional Forensic Center for further examination and identification.

There is no suspect information, and the investigation remains in the preliminary stages at this time. More information will be shared as the investigation progresses.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers anonymously at 877-363-8847. Tipsters can be eligible to receive a cash reward.