Crime
Missing 22-year-old Sarah Johnston found dead
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Authorities have confirmed that Sarah Johnston, the 22-year-old woman who was reported missing earlier this month, has been found deceased.
At this time, officials have released only limited information regarding the circumstances of her death.
Investigators are asking the public to keep her family and loved ones in their thoughts and to report any information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
Johnston had been missing from Knox County since January 7, 2026.
According to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, she was last seen in the 1100 block of Copperwood Lane.
She was officially reported missing shortly after midnight on Friday.
Investigators stated that Johnston suffered from personal conditions that may have prevented her from returning safely on her own.
She did not own a vehicle, and it remained unclear whether she left her residence on foot or received transportation from another person.
Authorities also indicated that they did not know what she was wearing at the time she disappeared.
Johnston was described as having a distinctive heart-shaped tattoo near her left eye, a feature that was highlighted in earlier public appeals for information.
During the search, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office urged anyone who had seen Johnston or had knowledge of her whereabouts to contact their Major Crimes Unit at 865-215-2243.
That request remains in effect as investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to her disappearance and death.
Officials have not released further details regarding the cause of death or whether foul play is suspected, citing the active nature of the investigation.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — 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.