David Quillin, Chief of Police

200 Shelby Street • Kingsport, TN 37660

http://Police.KingsportTN.gov • www.KingsportPDBlog.com

At the time of his arrest, Mr. Shelton was initially charged with Aggravated Robbery, Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, all of which were specifically related to a home-invasion on Clark Avenue.

On December 16, 2020 the findings of this continuing investigation into the entire series of events were presented to the Sullivan County Grand Jury which returned a true bill on a 28-count indictment with the following additional charges:

1) First Degree Murder

2) Felony Murder

3) Attempt to Commit First Degree Murder (2 counts)

4) Especially Aggravated Robbery

5) Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony (3 counts)

6) Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony (3 counts)

7) Especially Aggravated Kidnapping (2 counts)

8) Burglary (2 counts)

9) Felony Reckless Endangerment (2 counts)

10) Aggravated Robbery

11) Aggravated Assault (4 counts)

12) Vandalism (6 counts)

To reiterate, these 28 new criminal counts are in addition to the four felonies that Mr. Shelton was already charged with at the time of his arrest. He will be served with these new charges while already in custody.

As this remains an active investigation, and in the interest of future prosecution, absolutely no further information can or will be released at this time.

As previously released:

Update: On the morning of December 7, 2020, at approximately 9:30 AM, Kingsport Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives began responding to what turned out to be a series of connected felonious crimes committed in the Lynn Garden Community of Kingsport. Based upon the investigation thus far, a sole individual is believed to be responsible for all of these events.

While several different incidents were reported along Lynn Garden Drive and adjacent streets, one of the earliest crimes in the series occurred in the 100 block of Clark Avenue where the suspect committed a home-invasion of an occupied private residence. During a later incident at a separate location, the suspect shot and killed Gary D. McMeans.

The lone suspect, now identified as Michael J. Shelton, is in police custody. As of the time of issuance of this release, he remains incarcerated in the Kingsport City Jail, pending arraignment, in lieu of a $1,000,000 bond. As such, there is no reason to believe that there is any further danger to the public at this time.

Mr. Shelton has been initially charged with Aggravated Robbery, Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, all of which are specifically related to the home-invasion on Clark Avenue.

Additional charges for the remaining incidents, including those related to the death of Mr. McMeans, are still pending the outcome of the entirety of the investigation.

As this remains a very extensive, active, and ongoing investigation, involving multiple crime scenes, with additional charges pending, and in the interest of future prosecution, absolutely no further information can or will be released at this time.

As previously released:

On the morning of December 7, 2020, at approximately 9:30 AM, Kingsport Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to what has turned out to be a series of related felonious crimes committed in the Lynn Garden Community of Kingsport. One of these incidents resulted in a shooting.

The sole individual believed to be responsible for all of these incidents, including the shooting, is now in police custody. As such, there is no reason to believe that there is any further danger to the public at this time.

This is currently, and will continue to be for some time, a very extensive, active, and ongoing investigation; therefore, no further details are available for release at this time. Additional information will be shared as it develops, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.

Media inquiries should be directed to the Office of the K.P.D. Public Information Officer at 423-229-9433 or ThomasMPatton.

41 Years of Age

Bulls Gap, TN

2) Especially Aggravated Kidnapping

3) Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony

4) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon

5) Additional Charges Pending

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

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

ThomasMPatton