Double Homicide

Suspect in custody in Loudon County double murder investigation

LENOIR CITY, Tenn. (WATE) — Two people are dead and a suspect has been taken into custody as part of a ongoing murder investigation in Loudon County.

Investigators were called to a a residence in the 25000 block of Highway 321 in the Greenback community just before noon on Sunday after a family member who lives nearby discovered a deceased man on the property. A second victim was found inside the home.

Officials believe, based on the preliminary investigation, the two homeowners were murdered.

A suspect, identified as 53-year-old Julian P. Goodrum, has been taken into custody and is being held at the Loudon County Detention Center. The names of the deceased are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Goodrum lived on the victim’s property, Loudon County Sheriff Jimmy Davis told WATE. Investigators believe the victims were killed sometime Saturday afternoon.

He also said that deputies were called about Goodrum, two days before the alleged homicides.

“They called and it was peaceful – going through some things in his past so, we took for a mental evaluation at Fort Loudon in Lenoir City,” Davis said. “He was released from the medical center and the individuals picked him up and brought him back to their home.”

Davis added that Maryville Police interacted with the suspect Saturday night, before anyone knew about the homicides.

While they were interacting with Goodrum, Davis said they determined he may have been suicidal and homicidal and took him in for a mental evaluation. After learning Goodrum was a suspect in the deaths, he was transferred to the Loudon County Jail.

The Loudon County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said there is no additional threats to the public.