Preliminary information indicates that shortly after 9:30 a.m. EST, deputies with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office attempted to serve an eviction order to a woman residing at a home on Waller Street in Lenoir City.  Reports from the scene indicate that when deputies made contact with the subject, Tracy Hope Walter-Hensley (DOB 09/18/1964), she discharged a weapon. Deputies returned fire and retreated to cover. A SWAT Team from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office was called in to assist and deployed a camera-equipped robot into the home, where the woman was seen lying on the floor. When SWAT members entered the home to render aid, they found Walter-Hensley deceased from a gunshot wound. No officers were injured during the incident.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, as TBI Agents and Special Agent Forensic Scientists continue to gather any and all relevant evidence, interviews, and information. Throughout the process, investigative findings will be shared with the District Attorney General for his further review and consideration.  

The TBI does not identify the officers involved in these types of incidents and instead, refers questions of that nature to the respective department to answer as it sees fit. 

As a reminder, the TBI acts solely as fact-finders in its cases and does not determine whether the actions of an officer were justified in these types of matters. That decision rests with the District Attorney General requesting TBI’s involvement. 

Any updates on this investigation will be posted online at TBINewsroom.com.