DailyKenn.com — Around 7:15 a.m. on July 6, 2025, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to reports of gunfire at an apartment complex. When emergency personnel arrived, they discovered 48‑year‑old Michael Velazquez with at least one gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings indicate that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between Velazquez and another man prior to police arrival. Law enforcement later identified 28‑year‑old Wayne Parham of Knoxville as a suspect. Parham has been charged with second‑degree murder. The police homicide unit continues its investigation, urging anyone with information to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers; tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward.
The community continues to follow the case closely as investigators seek to piece together motive and sequence.
Sources:
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“KPD investigating fatal shooting at West Knoxville apartment complex” – WBIR, July 6, 2025
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“Homicide investigation underway following early‑morning shooting” – Knoxville Police Department, July 6, 2025
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“Knoxville Police Launch Manhunt for Suspect Wayne Parham After Fatal Shooting on Howard Baker Jr. Ave” – 3B Media News, July 7, 2025
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“Knoxville Police are Searching for the Suspect in an East Knoxville Apartment Fatal Shooting” – WIVK‑FM, July 7, 2025
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