Crime
14-month-old Elliot Whitaker raped and murder by Easton Vance in Kingsport
A 14-month-old child died following a violent incident in Kingsport, Tennessee, prompting a homicide investigation and the indictment of a 20-year-old man on multiple felony charges, authorities confirmed.
According to the Kingsport Police Department (KPD), officers and emergency responders were dispatched on October 21, 2024, to a residence in the 3800 block of Eastline Drive after receiving a report of an unresponsive child.
Upon arrival, first responders located 14-month-old Elliot Whitaker unresponsive inside the residence.
Life-saving measures were immediately initiated, and the child was transported to Indian Path Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
An autopsy was conducted at the Williams L. Jenkins Forensic Center, where the medical examiner determined that the child had suffered severe and extensive injuries.
The manner of death was officially ruled a homicide, according to investigative findings.
Following the investigation, a Sullivan County grand jury returned an indictment charging Easton Joshua Vance, 20, with multiple felony offenses in connection with the childโs death.
The charges include:
- Three counts of first-degree murder
- Aggravated child abuse
- Aggravated rape of a child
- Aggravated child neglect
- Aggravated criminal trespass
Court documents state that the aggravated criminal trespass charge stems from allegations that Vance unlawfully entered or remained at Miller Village Apartments, knowing he was not permitted to be on the property.
Prosecutors allege this violation is connected to a prior aggravated robbery charge, though details of that case were not immediately released.
Vance remains incarcerated at the Sullivan County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
As with all criminal cases, the charges outlined in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. โ Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.