GENERAL NARRATIVE |
The two victims in the April 15 arson investigation have been positively identified by the medical examiner as 53 year old Debra S. Morrison (also known as Debbie Jenkins) and 55 year old Richard J. (Ricky) Jenkins. Both victims were Kingsport residents. The Kingsport Police Department wishes to stress that this was not a random act of violence, as both victims were known to the suspect prior to this incident. The suspect, Paul Henry Robinson, has been transferred to the Sullivan County Jail in Blountville, where he remains incarcerated in lieu of a $175,000 bond as set by the presiding judge. In order to safeguard the integrity of the investigation and future prosecution, no additional details will be released at this time.
As previously released: On April 15, 2015 at approximately 1:00 AM, Kingsport Central Dispatch was notified of residential structure fire, located at 746 East Sevier Avenue in Kingsport. Various area emergency first responders were dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, Kingsport Fire Department personnel found the front of the residence heavily involved in flames. Firefighters located a female fire victim with severe burn injuries outside the residence. She was transported to Holston Valley Medical Center by Sullivan County E.M.S. where she was pronounced deceased. A male fire victim was found deceased inside the residence. Once the fire was extinguished, an investigation into the cause of the fire ensued. This investigation was a cooperative effort between arson investigators from the Kingsport Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, the Kingsport Fire Department’s Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Tennessee Bomb and Arson Unit. Based on evidence recovered at the scene, the investigators immediately suspected arson. Several hours into the investigation, a suspect identified as Paul Henry Robinson was observed in the vicinity of the crime scene. The investigators noticed that he had visible burn injuries and singed hair. After further investigation, investigators determined that Mr. Robinson had deliberately set the fire with the intent to kill the two deceased individuals. Mr. Robinson was arrested and incarcerated in the Kingsport City Jail where he remains awaiting arraignment. His charges include: 1) Aggravated Arson 2) Especially Aggravated Burglary 3) First Degree Murder (2 counts) 4) Felony Murder (2 counts) The identities of the two victims are not being released at this time pending positive identification by the medical examiner and notification of next of kin. Anyone with any additional information related to this investigation who has not yet spoken with investigators 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: |
SUSPECT INFORMATION | |
Name | Paul Henry Robinson |
Age | Date of Birth 2/4/1959
56 Years of Age |
Race/Gender | White/Male |
Residency | 729 Maple Street
Kingsport, TN |
Charge(s) | 1) Aggravated Arson
2) Especially Aggravated Burglary 3) First Degree Murder (2 counts) 4) Felony Murder (2 counts) |
VICTIM INFORMATION | |
Name | Debra S. Morrison (a.k.a. Debbie Jenkins) |
Age | 53 Years of Age |
Race/Gender | White/Female |
Residency | Kingsport, TN |
Injuries | Fatal |
VICTIM INFORMATION | |
Name | Richard J. (Ricky) Jenkins |
Age | 55 Years of Age |
Race/Gender | White/Male |
Residency | Kingsport, TN |
Injuries | Fatal |
RELEASING OFFICER | ||
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Thomas M. Patton, Public Information Officer
Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit |
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