Crime
Victims Identified in Accurate Energetic Systems Explosion
UPDATE: All 16 people inside the building that exploded at Accurate Energetic Systems Oct. 10 are dead, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said at an Oct. 11 press conference.
The Humphreys and Hickman County sheriffs today released the names of those who are presumed deceased as a result of the devastating explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems on Friday:
- Jason Adams
- Erick Anderson
- Billy Baker,
- Adam Boatman
- Christopher Clark
- Mindy Clifton,
- James Cook
- Reyna Gillahan
- LaTeisha Mays,
- Jeremy Moore
- Melinda Rainey
- Melissa Stanford,
- Trenton Stewart
- Rachel Woodall
- Steven Wright
- Donald Yowell
The sheriff, during often emotional press briefings outside the AES facility gates, said the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was working the site of the explosion to conduct DNA testing to confirm the identities of those who died.
TENNESSEE — State officials have provided an update on the ongoing investigation into Friday’s catastrophic explosion at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) in rural Hickman County, confirming a slight improvement in the situation as the number of individuals unaccounted for has decreased from 18 to 16.
Authorities said two workers previously believed to have been at the facility during the blast were confirmed to be off-site at the time of the explosion.
The State Emergency Operations Center in Nashville remains at Level 4 – Elevated, coordinating efforts with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which has deployed its elite National Response Team to assist in determining the cause of the explosion.
Officials said controlled detonations will continue periodically in order to safely dispose of unstable materials at the site.
Residents will receive at least 30 minutes’ advance notice via official social media channels before each detonation. Authorities continue to emphasize that there is no current threat to public safety, though the area remains restricted to authorized personnel.
A Family Assistance Center remains open to support affected families, and officials encouraged anyone experiencing emotional distress to call or text 988 for immediate mental health assistance.
During a press briefing Saturday, Humphreys County Sheriff Chris Davis said that more than 300 investigators and emergency personnel have meticulously combed through nearly every part of the blast site but have found no survivors.
“I can tell you that over 300 people have been through almost every square inch of this facility, and at this time, we’ve recovered no survivors,” Davis said, visibly emotional. “It’s even more devastating than what we initially thought. Truly heartbreaking — a tremendous loss for this community.”
The explosion, which occurred shortly before 8 a.m. Friday, destroyed a large portion of the AES manufacturing campus near Bucksnort, about 50 miles west of Nashville. The facility produces military, aerospace, oil, and commercial demolition explosives, operating across a sprawling 1,300-acre site that includes eight production and testing buildings.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is assisting with victim identification, utilizing rapid DNA testing due to the severe conditions of the remains recovered so far. Sheriff Davis said investigators are treating the site as a potential crime scene until all possibilities—including foul play—can be ruled out.
“Can I say we’re going to rule out foul play? We can’t answer that yet,” Davis said. “That might be days, weeks, or even months before we can.”
The ATF’s National Response Team, composed of explosives specialists, bomb technicians, chemists, engineers, and fire investigators, arrived on site Saturday.
The team has previously handled major national cases, including the Oklahoma City bombing, the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and the 9/11 Pentagon attack. Their primary mission is to determine the origin and cause of the explosion, using advanced forensic analysis and scene reconstruction.
“So right now, our bomb technicians and explosive specialists are working methodically to make the area safe,” said ATF Supervisory Special Agent Guy McCormick. “Once that is complete, our National Response Team can begin their full investigation.”
Among those confirmed missing or deceased are Trent Stewart, Melissa Dawn Stanford, Chris Clark, Reyna Gillahan, Erick and Jeremy Moore.
Moore’s mother, Ava Hinson, said her son had been working in Building 602, the structure believed to have been completely destroyed in the explosion.
“The last I heard from him, he had just dropped off his daughter and was headed to work,” Hinson said tearfully. “It’s unbelievable — the not knowing. I don’t want bad news, but at this point, I’d almost feel better if I just knew.”
In a heartfelt statement, The Log Church, where Pastor Trent Stewart served as minister, announced changes to its Sunday services in light of his disappearance:
“One of the missing following yesterday’s explosion at AES is our pastor, Trent Stewart. Because of this, we are canceling Sunday School and worship. In their place, we will gather for a time of prayer in the sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. All are welcome to join us.”
The church invited members of the community to come together in faith and solidarity, adding:
“Our motto has always been ‘come as you are.’ Tomorrow, that includes bringing your hurts, your grief, and your brokenness to the feet of Jesus.”
Accurate Energetic Systems released a public statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and gratitude to emergency personnel:
“At approximately 7:45 a.m. this morning, there was a tragic accident at our facility. Emergency response teams and investigative agencies remain on scene, and the situation is under active investigation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, coworkers, and community members affected by this incident. We extend our gratitude to all first responders who continue to work tirelessly under difficult conditions. We will provide updates as more verified information becomes available.”
Rescuers were initially forced to delay their search due to dangerous conditions, including burning debris and the risk of secondary explosions. Those hazards have since been contained, and officials now describe the site as secure but unstable.
Sheriff Davis reiterated that the investigation will be lengthy and complex, citing the extent of the devastation and the hazardous nature of the materials involved.
“This is going to take time,” he said. “We’re committed to finding answers for the families and ensuring something like this never happens again.”
Officials have stressed that public safety remains a top priority as recovery and investigative operations continue over the coming days.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.