Knoxville, TN (WOKI) – Knoxville Police have preliminarily identified a man found dead in a wooded area off Maynardville Highway as 38-year-old Christopher Neely, who had been reported missing earlier this month.
According to a release from the Knoxville Police Department, Neely’s body was recovered on June 24 in the area of Black Oak Ridge Lane and Maynardville Highway by KPD Violent Crimes detectives along with Search and Rescue personnel. Authorities say the identification remains preliminary pending confirmation from the Regional Forensics Center.
Neely was reported missing on June 11. Investigators say he was last known to be at his workplace, the Burger King in Halls, where he finished a shift and left around midnight on June 9.
Following the recovery, Neely’s body was transported to the Regional Forensics Center for further examination, which will help determine the cause and manner of death.
KPD Violent Crimes detectives are leading the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding Neely’s death. Police have not yet released additional details but say more information will be made available as it becomes known.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Knoxville Police.
