The investigation continues into an apparent homicide and aggravated assault in Fairfield Glade. Just before 8am Wednesday (1/17/24), Fairfield Glade Police responded to a domestic in progress call with shots fired from a residence on Wimberly Road. Inside the home, Police discovered 69-year-old Karen Chapman deceased and 76-year-old James Chapman with severe lacerations. Authorities say the couple was attacked on Tuesday (1/16/24) but was not found until Wednesday morning after Mr. Chapman fired shots from the back deck to get someone’s attention. Authorities say neither victim was shot. Mr. Chapman was airlifted to UT Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment.
Investigators with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and TBI identified the suspect as the couple’s son, 33-year-old Jason James Chapman, who also resided at the residence. Jason Chapman reportedly fled after the attack to a hotel in Malvern, Arkansas. Investigators later learned that Chapman was deceased at the hotel from self-inflicted injuries.
Authorities have not released a motive for the attack.