KNOXVILLE, TN – A search is currently underway for murder suspect Juan Carlos Diaz Perez following the discovery of a dead body in the bed of a truck. The suspect is sought by Knoxville Police, who initiated an investigation into an alleged homicide.
The truck holding the deceased was discovered at the North Boundary Trailhead, close to Oak Ridge Turnpike and Sweet Gum Lane. The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Suceli Perez, who reportedly suffered blunt-force trauma.
The police were notified Monday afternoon about a man reportedly gravely injuring a woman within a residence in Knoxville located at the 1200 block of Mercer Street. Upon arrival, officers found evidence of a likely fatal assault. However, neither the victim nor the suspect were present at the scene.
A probe into the incident led to the identification of Juan Carlos Diaz Perez as a suspect in the victim’s death. He is believed to have departed from the murder scene using the pickup truck that contained the body. Diaz Perez is now facing charges of first-degree murder.
Efforts are ongoing in the region of Wisconsin Avenue to locate Diaz Perez, with anyone spotting the suspect advised to call 9-1-1. Multiple agencies including the Oak Ridge Police Department, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshal Service are providing assistance with the search.