Tragedy struck a community in Hamblen County as a social gathering turned into the scene of a fatal shooting. According to a social media post by the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office, two young men, Marsalous Tre-Dante Vestal, 19, of Morristown, and a 16-year-old from McMinn County, whose name has not been released, were fatally shot at a party in west Hamblen County last Sunday. In response to the incident, two individuals have been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.
Adam Matthew Perez, Jr., 18, from White Pine, and Talan Wayne Trevathan, 19, of Sevierville, are the accused culprits, facing two counts each of Second-Degree Murder/Parties to the Offense. In addition to the deaths, a 15-year-old suffered a gunshot wound to the leg, while another 16-year-old sustained injuries to the hip and hand; both minors survived and were subsequently released from local hospitals.
The swift apprehension of the suspects was announced by Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins, who mentioned the collaborative effort involving the TBI and Pigeon Forge Police Department that led to the arrest of Perez and Trevathan at a local motel. "The entire HCSO Criminal Investigations Division has been working practically around the clock on this case since the shootings occurred," Sheriff Mullins stated. “I’m proud of the diligence of our Detectives and the efficiency of our Patrol Division, who were first to arrive on the scene of the shooting.”
Despite the arrests, the investigation continues actively. Mullins indicated that more charges could be forthcoming as interviews proceed with attendees of the ill-fated party. "HCSO detectives are still conducting interviews with the young adults and minors who were in attendance at the party," he said. In the spirit of solidarity, Mullins also extended his gratitude to the aiding law enforcement agencies. "I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the surrounding law enforcement agencies who have generously given of their time and energy in helping apprehend Perez and Trevathan and in helping to locate those who were witnesses to the shooting," Sheriff Mullins said.
