SUBJECT: KPD Investigating Assault on Sequoyah Drive (Update: Victim Deceased)
DATE: March 9th, 2024
CASE #: 24-003674
GENERAL NARRATIVE
Update: Martha De La Riva was reported to be in stable condition previously on March 7th, 2024. Since that release, Martha developed complications related to the injuries she received from her attacker. Martha passed away this morning (March 9th, 2024) because of those complications.
She will be sent to the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center of the E.T.S.U. James H. Quillen College of Medicine in Johnson City for an autopsy.
Phillip Pendleton is still listed in stable condition.
Charges against her attacker and son, William Clark, have been enhanced from attempted to 1st degree murder.
This case remains active and ongoing. Further information will be released as it becomes available.
As previously released on March 7th, 2024: Martha De La Riva (female victim) and Phillip Pendleton (male victim) are now in stable condition. Both Martha and Phillip were treated for severe lacerations to the head and face area consistent with stab wounds.
On March 6th, 2024, at approximately 2:01 pm, Kingsport Police Officers responded to an assault in the 300 block of Sequoyah Drive. Responding officers located Phillip Pendleton and Martha De La Riva bleeding from severe injuries to their heads from possible stab wounds and/or blunt force trauma.
Martha and Phillip were transported to a local hospital and were treated for their wounds.
During the initial investigation detectives developed Martha’s son and Phillip’s nephew, William Clark, as the suspect. Clark fled the scene prior to officers arriving in a 2008 silver Chevrolet Impala that he took from Phillip without permission. Clark was located and arrested in the 4800 block of Peers Street in Sullivan County.
Clark was taken to the Kingsport City Jail and was charged with two counts of attempted 1st degree murder, theft of property over $2,500, and driving on suspended license. Clark’s bond was set at $350,000.
This is still an active and ongoing case.
As previously released on March 6th, 2024: The male suspect has been identified as 39-year-old, William Clark, of Kingsport. Clark was charged with two counts of attempted 1st degree murder, theft of property over $2,500, and driving on suspended license. He was booked in the Kingsport City Jail with no bond pending arraignment.
One victim is listed as stable, and the other victim is in critical condition. The victim identities will be released at the appropriate time.
As previously released on March 6th, 2024: Two victims (adult male and adult female) were transported from the 300 block of Sequoyah Drive to a local hospital with possible life-threatening injuries. Detectives are still investigating the exact cause of the injuries.
A male suspect who fled the scene is now in custody. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
This was an isolated incident and there is no threat to the public.
More details will be released at a later time.
As previously released on March 6th, 2024: Kingsport Police Officers are investigating an assault in the 300 Block of Sequoyah Drive. This is an active and ongoing crime scene. Further details will be released at a later time.
SUSPECT INFORMATION
Name: William P Clark
Age: 39
Gender/Race: Male/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Charges: 1st degree murder, attempted 1st degree murder, theft of property over $2,500, and driving on suspended license.
VICTIM INFORMATION
Name: Martha De La Riva
Age: 74
Gender/Race: Female/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Injuries: Deceased
VICTIM INFORMATION
Name: Phillip Pendleton
Age: 64
Gender/Race: Male/White
Residency: Kingsport, TN
Injuries: Severe lacerations to head
RELEASING OFFICER
Corporal Brandon Johnson
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit
Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749
BrandonJohnson@KingsportTN.gov
