CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — A Claiborne County man is facing an attempted first-degree murder charge after authorities say he stabbed another man in the neck outside a local market over the weekend.
According to court records, Billy Joe Walton was arrested Sunday by the Tazewell Police Department following a stabbing incident at Catdaddys Market.
Officers were dispatched to the market Saturday after receiving reports of a stabbing. When officers arrived, they found the victim inside the business suffering from a serious neck wound and bleeding heavily.
Outside the store, police encountered Walton, who investigators say was carrying three knives.
Surveillance Video Central to Investigation
According to an affidavit filed in Claiborne County General Sessions Court, investigators reviewed security camera footage from the market during the investigation.
Police say the video shows Walton approaching the victim from behind while holding two knives before stabbing the victim on the right side of the neck.
Investigators also reported finding a trail of blood in the parking lot that they say was consistent with the events captured on surveillance footage.
Victim Airlifted to Knoxville
Due to the severity of the injuries, the victim was transported from the scene by Lifestar medical helicopter to the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.
Authorities have not released an update on the victim’s condition.
Court Appearance Scheduled
Walton was taken into custody and booked into the Claiborne County Jail.
Court records show his initial court appearance is scheduled for September 1.
In addition to the criminal charge, a special domestic violence bail order has been issued. The order prohibits Walton from contacting the victim and from possessing any firearms while the case is pending.
The investigation remains ongoing.
