KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – A teenager wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Grainger County is now in custody after being located and arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Knoxville.
According to the U.S. Marshals Service, the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation requested assistance in locating the suspect, who investigators said had been evading authorities following the shooting.
On July 14, deputy U.S. marshals located the 17-year-old suspect in the Whittle Springs area of Knoxville. Authorities said the teen attempted to run from officers before being taken into custody.
The Grainger County Sheriff’s Office said the juvenile is charged with first-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
Deadly Shooting in Washburn
The charges stem from a shooting that occurred on June 19 at the Williams Creek TWRA Access at Lays Bridge in the Washburn community.
When deputies arrived at the scene, they discovered Billy Nicely, 60, of Washburn, suffering from gunshot wounds. Nicely was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to investigators, witnesses reported that Nicely and the suspect became involved in a verbal argument shortly before the shooting occurred.
Authorities have not released additional details about what led to the confrontation.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The investigation involved the Grainger County Sheriff’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Officials have not released the name of the suspect because he is a juvenile.
The case remains under investigation.
