CRIME
Suspect Wanted For Killing Tennessee Deputy Apprehended In Knoxville
Blount County Sheriff's Office
Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., wanted in the shooting of two Tennessee deputies, killing one, was captured Thursday after a dayslong manhunt, officials said.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office said DeHart, 42, was apprehended Tuesday in Knoxville, about 17 miles north of Maryville, where the shooting occurred. He faces charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a weapon.
You can’t understand how excited I am today to tell you that at 3:22 p.m. today, we arrested the man that murdered my deputy, Blount County Sheriff James Berrong said during a press conference. While it’s emotional right now, it’s a relief to the citizens of Blount County and all of East Tennessee. It’s especially a relief to his family and to my deputies.
A manhunt has been underway since the shooting of two Blount County deputies at around 8:30 p.m. Thursday in Maryville. The deputies initiated a traffic stop on the 4900 block of Sevierville Road due to erratic driving, and the driver, identified as DeHart, would not cooperate, the sheriff’s office said.
Deputies deployed a Taser with no effect, and DeHart allegedly produced a gun, firing on deputies.
Deputy Greg McCowan was shot and killed. Deputy Shelby Eggers was shot in the leg and returned fire. She has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.
DeHart was placed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list, and a $100,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest, but Berrong said no specific tip led authorities to the Knoxville residence where he was found.
DeHart’s brother and girlfriend were arrested in connection with the case and charged with accessory after the fact. Marcus DeHart, 41, was taken into custody Friday for aiding the defendant after the commission of the homicide.
The suspect’s girlfriend, 32-year-old Carrie Matthews, was arrested after being questioned about his whereabouts. During the interview at her residence, she allegedly took a phone call from someone she claimed to be Janeisha, but was in fact Kenneth DeHart, and said, they’re here.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as they piece together DeHart’s movements since the shooting, and recover evidence, including the gun that was used.
If we could identify anybody that helped, assisted or harbored him they will be arrested and charged, Berrong said.
TMX contributed to this article.
