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Kingsport Police Department
Dale Phipps, Chief of Police 200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660 http://KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department • www.KingsportPDBlog.com |
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| NEWS RELEASE | |||
| SUBJECT: | Kingsport Police Investigating Early Morning Homicide (Update #2) | ||
| DATE: | June 10, 2021 | ||
| CASE #: | 21-009923 | ||
| GENERAL NARRATIVE | |||
| Update #2: On June 10, 2021 Zachery Felton was taken into custody in New Orleans, Louisiana. As of the time of issuance of this news release, he remains incarcerated in New Orleans, awaiting extradition back to Tennessee.
The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service for their invaluable assistance with Mr. Felton’s apprehension. As this remains an active investigation with pending prosecution, absolutely no additional details will be released at this time. As previously released: Update: On May 15, 2021 at approximately 6:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to a residence in the 500 block of Bays View Court in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, Officers located the resident, Amber N. Schwenk, inside the home, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Detectives were soon able to identify Zachery Felton as the person responsible. Mr. Felton had already left the scene prior to police arrival, but Detectives have obtained a warrant, charging him with 1) First Degree Murder, 2) Vandalism of a Monitoring Device, and 3) Vandalism. Based upon the investigation thus far, it is evident that the suspect and victim were acquainted with one another prior to this incident. This appears to have been an isolated incident, so there is no reason at this time to believe that there is any immediate danger to the public at large. As of the time of issuance of this release, Mr. Felton remains wanted and at large; however, Detectives have strong reason to believe that he has fled the state. Due to the charges against him, and the nature of this incident, he should be considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with any information which could potentially assist with this investigation or help locate Mr. Felton is asked to contact Detectives in the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division at 423-229-9429 or call Kingsport Central Dispatch at 423-246-9111. Alternatively, if an individual who is able to supply information related to this or any other case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link: https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us This remains an active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division; therefore, absolutely no additional details, to include possible motives, will be released at this time. As previously released: On May 15, 2021 at approximately 6:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to a residence in the 500 block of Bays View Court in Kingsport in reference to a shooting incident. Upon their arrival, Officers located an adult female inside the home, deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Based upon the investigation thus far, this appears to have been an isolated incident, so there is no reason at this time to believe that there is any immediate danger to the public at large. An active investigation is currently underway by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division; however, absolutely no additional details, to include identities or motives, are available for release at this time. Further information will be released as it develops and at an appropriate point in the investigation. |
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| WANTED SUSPECT INFORMATION | |
| Name | Zachery Felton |
| Age | Date of Birth 4/14/1985
36 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Male/Black |
| Height/
Weight |
5 feet 11 inches
160 pounds |
| Hair/Eyes | Black hair
Brown eyes |
| Charge(s) | 1) First Degree Murder
2) Vandalism of a Monitoring Device 3) Vandalism |
| VICTIM INFORMATION | |
| Name | Amber N. Schwenk |
| Age | 40 Years of Age |
| Gender/Race | Female/White |
| Residency | Kingsport, TN |
| Injuries | Fatal Gunshot Wound |
| RELEASING OFFICER | ||
| Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit 423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-343-9749 (FAX) ThomasMPatton |
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This event is a collaborative effort of community leaders throughout the Tri-Cities. Our goal is to create an event “where everyone can come together” and experience cultural diversity while being educated on the history of Juneteenth and African culture.
Please like and follow our Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/TriCitiesJuneteenth) and stay tuned for updates on all the wonderful things we have in store for this year’s event and years to come. We’re kicking off this year in the beautiful city of Kingsport and we hope to see you there!
Join the Kingsport Aquatic Center on Thursday, June 17 for a fun afternoon dedicated to safe swimming! The KAC is participating in the World’s Largest Swim Lesson, an event created by the World Waterpark Association to promote the importance of swim safety worldwide.
“Water safety is very important to the KAC,” said Programs Supervisor Madison Gump, “so we’re excited to participate in this global event again this year.”
Swimming is a life-saving skill for children and a vital tool to prevent drowning, the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for U.S. children ages 1-14. Research shows risk of drowning can be reduced by 88 percent if children participate in formal swimming lessons between the ages of 1-4. Yet, a survey conducted by the American Red Cross in 2014 found that more than half of Americans (54 percent) either can’t swim or don’t have all of the basic swimming skills.
At 2 p.m. on June 17, the KAC will host a free swim lesson for all ages. Learn important skills that will keep you and your kids safe in and around the water this summer!
Swim lessons save lives, and the KAC offers American Red Cross-certified swim lessons year-round for all ages and abilities. To learn more about swim lessons at the KAC, visit swimkingsport.com or call 423-343-9758.
The World’s Largest Swim Lesson is free with KAC daily admission. Visit wlsl.org for more information about the WWA’s effort to promote swim saf
Are you a lover of all things Jeep? Join Bays Mountain Park for its first-ever Jeep Fest on June 19, celebrating this iconic all-terrain vehicle that’s perfect for adventuring. This event is hosted by Leadership Kingsport as one of its Community Impact Projects.
“With Bays Mountain celebrating 50 years this year, we wanted to help with the celebration by creating events for everyone to enjoy,“ said Vanessa Bennett, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce Executive Director of Operations & Talent Development and Leadership Kingsport coordinator. “The team—Sheriff Jeff Cassidy, Aiesha Edwards, Terry Hughes and Aimee Light—worked together to create Jeep Fest. We’re excited to bring this iconic sport utility vehicle to Bays Mountain.”
Jeep owners can register their vehicle to showcase at the park and compete in five categories for prizes. Only 50 vehicles spaces are available, so be sure to grab your spot before they run out! The awards categories are:
- Vintage
- 1986 and older Jeep, Willys, Jeepster or Military Jeep
- Stock
- 1987 to present Jeeps; no modifications, factory jeep wheels are required, tires must be of a stock size available for the Jeep from the factory
- Modified
- Unlimited modifications, must be street legal and have a Jeep Body
- People’s Choice
- Best In Show
All Jeep enthusiasts are also invited to come check out the vehicles on display and vote on the People’s Choice award. Electric 94.9 will also be broadcasting live from the mountain!
Jeep Fest begins at 10 a.m. and lasts until 4 p.m. Registered Jeeps begin placements at 9 a.m. Please note that this event is limited to the common area, and no vehicles of any kind are permitted on Bays Mountain Park trails.
Judging begins at 3 p.m., and awards will be announced at 4 p.m. The cost to register your vehicle for Jeep Fest is $50. You must pre-register your Jeep online via Eventbrite.com here.
To learn more about Bays Mountain Park, visit baysmountain.com or call 423-229-9447.
Join Kingsport Public Library and the Friends of the Kingsport Public Library for the next in the Behind the Book series on June 10 at 7:00 p.m. Behind the Book will feature discussions with regional authors and illustrators to find out more about their books. The discussion will be held virtually via Google Meet (link available at www.kingsportlibrary.org).
Larry D. Thacker is the next author in the series. A native of Kentucky who now lives in Johnson City, Thacker has had his poetry published in over 170 publications. He also is the author of Mountain Mysteries: The Mystic Traditions of Appalachia, several full poetry collections, and numerous short stories including his latest short story collection, Working it Off in Labor County: Stories.
“We want to provide a platform to local authors to connect with the public,” said Kate Woodworth, librarian at Kingsport Public Library. “The authors represent a variety of genres so the community can experience a wide range of literary interests.”
Upcoming Behind the Book discussions will feature J. Dianne Dotson. Visit the Library website, www.kingsportpubliclibrary.org for more information or contact the Kingsport Public Library at 423-224-2539.
American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day is coming up on June 5, so it’s time to get excited about Tennessee’s beautiful trails.
“National Trails Day encourages people to discover their local trails, become active concerning trail issues and share their excitement for the outdoors,” said Renee Ensor, parks and recreation program administrator.
To celebrate the day, Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation is having a contest to get people out walking on some of Kingsport’s trails. To participate, post a picture of yourself at the Greenbelt, Borden Park or Lynn View track to the Parks and Recreation Facebook page. You will then be entered to win a free shelter rental for up to three hours.
The Kingsport Senior Artisan Center will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Lynn View Community Center, located at 257 Walker St.
Established by the Kingsport Senior Center in April 2010, the Kingsport Senior Artisan Center provides a Consignment Gallery for regional artists and craftspeople ages 50 and older to market and sell their creative artwork.
Located in the Lynn View Senior Center Branch Site, the Artisan Center offers patrons a variety of juried art works including pottery, painting, basketry, wood crafts, knitting, crocheting, photography, jewelry and more.
“The Artisan Center not only displays your art but has also gotten me into two craft fairs so far,” said John Sinnette, senior center member. “Also, because we are members, we get reduced fair fees. I highly recommend you join.”
The Senior Center invites all Kingsport residents to come meet the artisans and see the newly renovated Artisan Center. Refreshments will be available, and music will be provided by The Ukulele Strings.
For more information about Kingsport Senior Center, please visit seniors.kingsporttn.gov/.