Dale Phipps, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

www.KingsportTN.gov/City-Services/Police-Department• www.KingsportPDBlog.com

As previously released in May 2021, Detectives have already identified, charged, and arrested one suspect, Jonathan L. Smith, for his role in the death of Eduardo Oviedo-Velazco.

Over the course of the continuing investigation, a second suspect, Lekendrick D. Malone, has also been identified.

On July 13, 2022, additional facts of the case were presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury, which returned a true bill of indictment, charging Mr. Malone with multiple felonies for his role in the death of Eduardo Oviedo-Velazco. A capias was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Mr. Malone’s charges include:

1) First Degree Murder

2) Felony Murder

3) Attempted First Degree Murder

4) Aggravated Burglary

On August 8, 2022, Mr. Malone was arrested in Knoxville, TN by the United States Marshals Service Smoky Mountain Fugitive Task Force. He was transported back to Sullivan County the following day, where he remains incarcerated in the Sullivan County Jail in lieu of a $250,000 bond. In addition to the above offenses, he is also facing Violation of Probation charges.

The Kingsport Police Department wishes to thank the U.S. Marshals Service for helping bring this wanted fugitive to justice.

This remains a very active and ongoing investigation with additional charges likely pending. As such, no further details can or will be released at this time.

As previously released:

Update: The November 15, 2020 homicide on Osage Drive in Kingsport has been under constant investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division since the date it occurred.

On April 28, 2021, the facts of the case were presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury which returned a true bill of indictment, charging Jonathan L. Smith with multiple felonies for his role in the death of Eduardo Oviedo-Velazco. A capias was subsequently issued for his arrest.

Mr. Smith’s charges include:

1) First Degree Murder

2) Felony Murder

3) Attempted First Degree Murder

4) Aggravated Burglary

On May 22, 2021, Mr. Smith was arrested on independent unrelated charges during a routine traffic stop by the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office. Upon his release from HCSO custody, he was arrested by the Kingsport Police Department on the outstanding capias.

He was transported to the Kingsport City Jail for processing, but has since been transported to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville where he remains confined, awaiting arraignment, with no current eligibility for bond.

As this remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation with the possibility of additional charges pending, absolutely no additional details will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On November 15, 2020 at approximately 1:00 AM, Kingsport Police Patrol Officers responded to a reported shooting incident at a residence in the 1600 block of Osage Drive in Kingsport. Upon arrival, Officers located Eduardo Oviedo-Velazco (26 year old adult male) inside the residence, deceased as a result of what appeared to be a gunshot wound.

K.P.D. Detectives responded to the scene, and a homicide investigation is currently underway. Based upon their findings thus far, this appears to be an isolated incident with no known immediate danger to the public at large. As this investigation remains active and ongoing, no further details are available for release at this time. Additional information will be released as it develops, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.

Anyone who has any information related to this incident which might be able to assist Detectives with their investigation is asked to contact 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

2) Felony Murder

3) Attempted First Degree Murder

4) Aggravated Burglary

2) Felony Murder

3) Attempted First Degree Murder

4) Aggravated Burglary

5) Also Facing Violation of Probation Charges

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

423-229-9433 (Desk) • 423-224-2786 (FAX)

ThomasMPatton