News Summary
The Knoxville Police Department is intensifying its search for Wayne Parham, the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of Michael Velasquez. Parham, 35, remains at large following the July 6 incident, where he allegedly attacked Velasquez with a hammer before shooting him. A woman, Kristin Drollinger, has been arrested for allegedly aiding Parham after the incident. Community safety concerns have risen, with police emphasizing the urgency to apprehend the armed and dangerous suspect. Efforts are also underway to support Velasquez’s young son.
Knoxville – Search for Suspect Wayne Parham Continues After Fatal Shooting
The Knoxville Police Department is actively searching for 35-year-old Wayne Parham, the prime suspect in the murder of 48-year-old Michael Velasquez, who was shot dead on July 6 in Knoxville, Tennessee. As of Friday evening, Parham remains at large, while a woman has been arrested for allegedly aiding him post-incident.
Kristin Drollinger, 35, has been charged with accessory-after-the-fact. According to police, she is accused of helping Parham flee the scene following the incident. Drollinger’s arrest has drawn attention to the ongoing effort by the authorities to apprehend the shooter, who is considered armed and dangerous.
The tragic incident unfolded on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, where witnesses reported that an altercation occurred prior to the shooting. It has been detailed in police reports that Parham first attacked Velasquez with a hammer before firing a gun, leading to Velasquez’s untimely death.
In the wake of this violence, Kendra Spangler, the mother of Velasquez’s 5-year-old son, Oliver, has spoken out about the devastation felt by the family. She described Velasquez as a caring father with a sensitive soul, despite his tougher exterior. Spangler shared her heartbreaking experience of discovering Velasquez lying in a walkway when she returned home from buying breakfast, a sight that has been etched into her memory.
Community Safety Concerns
The community is left on edge as Spangler emphasized the potential threat that Parham poses to others. She expressed deep concern for community safety, highlighting that if Parham could commit such a violent act against Velasquez, he might strike again. Scott Erland, a spokesperson for the Knoxville Police Department, confirmed that Parham’s apprehension is a priority for KPD, and all available resources are being utilized to locate him.
To aid in the search, the Knoxville Police Department has encouraged the public to provide any tips regarding Parham’s whereabouts. Citizens can call the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 to share information. Those who submit tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward, motivating community engagement in the investigation.
Support for Family
In addition to the efforts to track down Parham, the community has rallied to support Velasquez’s son. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to collect funds for Oliver, who is autistic and non-verbal. This initiative aims to provide financial support and resources for the child during this challenging time following the loss of his father.
Background on the Incident
The circumstances surrounding Michael Velasquez’s death serve as a grim reminder of the potential for violence in the community. Having succumbed to a brutal attack involving both a hammer and a firearm, the incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding domestic violence and public safety in the area. The Knoxville Police Department continues to investigate the incident thoroughly, as they work to bring justice for Velasquez and his family.
As the search for Wayne Parham continues, the Knoxville community remains hopeful for a resolution to this tragic case, while also grappling with the implications of such violence on their lives and neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Search for Suspect Wayne Parham
- WATE: US Marshals Arrest Double Murder Suspect
- WBIR: Community Remembers Life of Man Fatally Shot
- WBIR: National Night Out 2023
- WBIR: Tennessee Battles Invasive Carp Species
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
- Google Search: Crime Prevention
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Violent Crime
- Google News: Crime News
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
