Found Deceased KY - Justin Tyler Sawyer, 20, Oak Grove, 17 Dec 2020 *arrests*

The jury indicted 36-year-old Gene Douglas Henry on those charges after an incident that involved the disappearance of 29-year-old Justin Tyler Sawyer. State police report Henry assisted DaWuan Davis move Sawyer’s body from the backseat to the vehicle’s trunk. The vehicle belonged to Sawyer.

Henry told police they moved Sawyer’s body while on Pyle Drive in Oak Grove. Sawyer was reported missing in Clarksville and last seen December 17 at a gas station in Oak Grove.
Oak Grove Man Indicted For Involvement In Moving A Body
 
MAR 3, 2021
Justin Sawyer's body found in Clarksville, 3 suspects plead not guilty | ClarksvilleNow.com
[...]

“I knew he was gone. I knew they had killed him, but I just needed them to find him so I could bring him home and lay him to rest,” Sawyer’s mother, TJ, told Clarksville Now.

“I just needed some closure, I feel like I’ve been walking around like a pipe bomb just ready to explode,” she said.

[...]


Kennedy Road in northeast Clarksville where CPD says the remains of Justin Sawyer were found on March 2, 2021 (Keely Quinlan, Clarksville Now)
 
MAR 4, 2021
Justin Sawyer's body found in Clarksville, suspects plead not guilty (theleafchronicle.com)
[...]

On Tuesday, Sawyer's body was found on Kennedy Road off Trenton Road, a residential area with homes, several churches and woodland.

The following day, medical examiner's office in Nashville examined Sawyer's body, confirming his identity.

"It has been a long journey," said his father, RS.

"With us finding his remains, that can bring a degree of closure. Now we can give him a proper homegoing service and start the healing process."

Sawyer was found wearing the red shoes and jean jacket he was last seen in, according to his family. The family also said his body appeared to be burned.

[...]
 
MAR 5, 2021
Family seeks answers after Justin Sawyer’s disappearance | Macon Telegraph
[...]

On Tuesday, authorities discovered Sawyer's body in Clarksville, according to the Leaf Chronicle. Relatives said his body appeared to have been burned, and the medical examiner used dental records to identify the remains.

[...]

The three men charged in Sawyer’s disappearance were arraigned Wednesday in a Christian County court. All pleaded not guilty, WKDZ reported.

Davis and Sims are charged with first-degree robbery, kidnapping (with serious physical injury) and assault, according to Kentucky State Police, which assisted in the multi-state investigation. Henry faces charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.

“They shot him in the legs and in the chest, and only one person knows where the body is,” RS told McClatchy News.

[...]

Justin Sawyer disappearance.png

[...]
 
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MAR 10, 2021
Justin Sawyer missing case: Remains found, family says | 11alive.com
[...]

According to Justin’s sister, the 20-year-old was attending school at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga studying business, but currently had the semester off. He had planned on moving back to Georgia.

But before that happened, Sawyer, according to Kentucky State Police, was reported missing from Clarkesville, Tennessee - where he had been living - on Dec. 17.

[...]

Sawyer's sister Lauren told 11Alive that investigators had been keeping her family updated on the case, and said authorities found the car by going through Davis' text messages.

[...]

Family told 11Alive Sawyer was "very loved" and enjoyed writing, creating music, photography, drawing, and making creative content, according to his sister.
 
MAR 12, 2021
Missing Newton native's body found in Tennessee - The Covington News (covnews.com)
[...]

Sawyer’s mother, Tracy Jackson, told The Covington News the family is waiting on authorities in Tennessee to finish their investigation into his death.

However, Jackson said she knows she wants her son to be buried in his hometown of Covington after a memorial service in Conyers.

She said knowing Sawyer had been found “helps me to breathe.”

“I can exhale,” Jackson said. “I’m beginning to breathe in a different way.”

[...]

Sawyer’s father, Rick Sawyer, told WSMV, "This isn't something I would wish on any mom and dad."

"I don't have words to explain how I feel right now," he said.

[...]
 
Justin Tyler Sawyer
September 21, 2000 - March 02, 2021

7407988_fbs.jpg


Justin Sawyer was born on September 21, 2000 to [REDACTED] in Rockdale County. He was dedicated back to God at 3 months old ... at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church. He gave his life to Christ at the age of 7 years old. He was baptized at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church ... also. He gained his wings on March 2, 2021.

Justin was a champion. He was resilient, intelligent, selfless, and benevolent. He was the epitome of excellence. Justin was born clever. He knew so much, so young, He started walking at 9 months, and adventured since. Growing up, Justin loved riding motorcycles, collecting guns, cup stacking, beyblades, wrestling, and Rambo. He attended the Newton County Theme School at Fairview and Ficquett, Cousins Middle School, and The Liberal Arts Academy at Newton High School. He relocated to Clarksville Tennessee with his mother in 10th grade, and attended Rossview High School where he graduated with honors in May 2019. In school, he was in the robotics club, beta club, math team, and the debate team. He was an honor student. Justin made a 30 on his ACT in the 7th grade. Justin would help other kids with their schoolwork. He even taught kids how to read. He did not want anything in return. He did it out of the kindness of his heart, as he did all things. He obtained close to a perfect score on his ACT as a senior, and received many academic scholarships. Justin could go to school anywhere he wanted in the world. He attended The University of Tennessee: Chattanooga. He was in other extra curricular activities such as: R.O.T.C, band (played saxophone), travel basketball, and football.

Justin also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Family was very important to Justin. His last week on Earth, he kept emphasizing to his mother that he was going to take care of her and his sister. He enjoyed writing, photography, creating music, and studying the unknown. He would read and research a lot. Oftentimes, he would explain to his mother and sister his research, and how they could apply it to their lives as a family. How they could use it to be better. Despite many obstacles, Justin constantly defeated the odds. He never let unfortunate experiences stop him from excelling. He had a smile that could light up any room. His smile caught the attention of everyone around. Many suggested he be a model. His smile accompanied by his beautiful spirit is what made everyone drawn to him. His intentions were always pure, and he was that way every day of his life. To know Justin, is to love him. He is a legend. He is absent in body, but his spirit will live forever. He is now reunited with his favorite cousin/sister ...

[...]

Obituary | Justin Tyler Sawyer of Covington, Georgia | George W. Levett Sr. and Sons Funeral Home (levettandsonsfuneralhome.com)
 
AUG 25, 2021
Resolution likely in cases of two suspects charged in disappearance of Clarksville man | WHOP 1230 AM | News Radio (whopam.com)
A resolution seems likely in the next couple weeks for two of the three men charged for their alleged roles in the December, 2020 disappearance of Justin Tyler Sawyer in Oak Grove.

Twenty-three-year-old Marquell Sims of Oak Grove appeared in Christian Circuit Court Wednesday and Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling told Judge John Atkins he believes there will be a plea deal worked out for Sims and 37-year-old Gene “Doug” Henry of Oak Grove by the next hearing on October 6.

The alleged shooter in the case is 21-year-old Dawuan Davis of Clarksville and he and Sims are charged with first-degree assault, kidnapping and first-degree robbery.

[...]
 
MAR 5, 2021
Family seeks answers after Justin Sawyer’s disappearance | Macon Telegraph
[...]

On Tuesday, authorities discovered Sawyer's body in Clarksville, according to the Leaf Chronicle. Relatives said his body appeared to have been burned, and the medical examiner used dental records to identify the remains.

[...]

The three men charged in Sawyer’s disappearance were arraigned Wednesday in a Christian County court. All pleaded not guilty, WKDZ reported.

Davis and Sims are charged with first-degree robbery, kidnapping (with serious physical injury) and assault, according to Kentucky State Police, which assisted in the multi-state investigation. Henry faces charges of abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.

“They shot him in the legs and in the chest, and only one person knows where the body is,” RS told McClatchy News.

[...]

View attachment 287130

[...]
if he was shot in the chest why is this not murder?
 
OCT 13, 2021
Suspect connected to disappearance of Clarksville man takes plea deal
[...]

Thirty-seven-year-old Gene Douglas Henry of Oak Grove entered a guilty plea to tampering with evidence in a deal that comes with a recommended four-year sentence and he must testify at the trial of his co-defendants, 21-year-old Dawuan Davis of Clarksville and 23-year old Marquell Sims of Oak Grove, if necessary.

[...]

Trial for Davis and Sims is scheduled for February 21.
 
OCT 22, 2021
Clarksville man disappearance case suspect served warrant for contempt
One of the three men charged in connection to a Clarksville man’s disappearance on Dec. 17, 2020, and was recently allowed release from custody was served a Christian County warrant just after 10:30 p.m. Thursday, according to a Hopkinsville Police Department report.

Marquell Sims, 23, Oak Grove, was served a warrant signed by Judge John Atkins for contempt of court.

According to jail records, Sims was arrested on Wednesday for fourth-degree assault (domestic violence) and was then served with the warrant for contempt of court Thursday night.

[...]
 
DEC 22, 2021
Bond motion denied for suspect accused in Clarksville man disappearance case | News | Kentucky New Era
[...]

Marquell Sims, 23, appeared in Atkins’ court via Zoom at the Christian County Jail while his defense attorney Michael Thompson appeared in person to argue for the reduction of Sims’ bond.

[...]

However, Christian County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling heavily opposed Thompson’s motion and stated that his bond is appropriate based on the nature of his charges and being a danger to the community.

Boling also added that two of his charges have warranted his case be presented as a capital case. Capital cases are cases that carry charges that are punishable by the death penalty.

[...]

“I’m satisfied with what the bond is and the motion is denied,” Atkins said. “He’s a danger to others, clearly.”

Atkins then continued Sims’ case to his trial date on Feb. 21.

[...]
 
Feb 18, updated Mar 28, 2022
(Article is paywalled - summary by me)

Defendant enters plea deal in Clarksville man disappearance case | News | Kentucky New Era
  • Marquell Sims and atty appeared via Zoom.
  • Original charges were complicity to kidnapping w/ serious physical injury, complicity to 1st degree robbery and complicity to 1st degree assault.
  • The plea deal amended the charges from complicity to facilitation.
  • Charges to run concurrently for a total 5 years in prison.
  • Sims agreed to testify against Duwuan Davis if need be.
  • Final sentencing hearing March 16.
  • Sims was released from custody w/ankle monitor, travel limitations, no contact w/case players, etc.
 
FEB 22, 2022
Court rescheduled for co-defendants in Justin Sawyer shooting death case (theleafchronicle.com)
Dawuan T. Davis, of Clarksville, and Gene “Doug” Henry, of Oak Grove, were originally scheduled for trial and sentencing in Christian County Monday.

Davis' pre-trial conference has been moved to March 23, according to a Christian County judicial assistant.

[...]

Henry's sentencing hearing has also been rescheduled for March 23. He was the first co-defendant to reach a deal in the case, pleading guilty last October to abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.

[...]

FEB 18, 2022
Co-defendant in Justin Sawyer fatal shooting enters guilty plea (theleafchronicle.com)
The plea agreement also says that Sims will testify in any of his co-defendants' jury trials, Boling said.
 
FEB 21, 2022
1) Dawuan Davis - pretrial conference scheduled for March 23. A new trial date could be scheduled then, or a hearing could be set sooner if a plea deal is negotiated.

2) Gene Henry's sentencing was scheduled for March 23. His plea deal came with a recommended 4-year sentence.

3) Marquell Sims pled guilty Friday to facilitation to robbery, facilitation to kidnapping and facilitation to first-degree assault in a deal that comes with a recommended 5-year sentence.

MAR 16, 2022
Defense attorney Michael Thompson represents Sims and requested that he receive probation, saying Sims has been employed during his time out of custody.

Judge John Atkins ultimately denied probation and sentenced Sims to five years in prison. Sims must also testify, either by appearance or recorded statement, at the trial of co-defendant, 21-year-old Dawuan Davis.

JUL 13, 2022
The alleged gunman in the 2020 disappearance of Justin Tyler Sawyer in Oak Grove is now facing charges in Tennessee and his attorney believes the Kentucky case can be resolved.

[...]

Stephanie Ritchie-Mize represents [Dawuan] Davis and told Circuit Judge John Atkins Wednesday that she believes the local case can be resolved in some way once she has evidence from the Montgomery County case.

Judge John Atkins scheduled another pre-trial hearing for August 3.
 
AUG 31, 2022
[...]

Davis allegedly shot Sawyer five times during a drug deal gone wrong in the parking lot of the Shell station on KY 115 and then used the help of Gene Douglas Henry to move Sawyer’s body to the trunk of his car. Another suspect, Marquel Sims, was in the car at the time of the shooting and he ran across the road to the Pilot truck stop.

Sims and Henry have already accepted plea deals to lesser charges for their roles.

[...]

The attorneys and judge agreed to schedule trial for November 28 and it should last about two and a half days.
 

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