An 18-year-old Apison man is behind bars after police say forensic evidence tied him to the suspected homicide of 56-year-old Robert George Locke, who was reported missing from his Collegedale home in late May. Investigators say items recovered from the teen's vehicle helped connect him to Locke's disappearance.
According to an affidavit reviewed by reporters, detectives searching the vehicle found a knife, a pillow and sawhorses, with blood visible on at least one of those items. The affidavit also quotes a person who told investigators the suspect admitted to killing someone. As reported by Local 3 News, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation later confirmed that blood was present on an item recovered from the vehicle.
Evidence Detailed in the Affidavit
Police say DNA from Locke was matched to material found inside the car, including the pillow and the sawhorses. Investigators also note the vehicle had been in a crash about 2.5 miles from Locke's home on May 22, a detail that helped build the timeline and probable cause in the case. Those findings are outlined in reporting and an affidavit reviewed by WDEF.
Victim's Background
State records show Locke was convicted of child molestation in 2003 and remains listed on Tennessee's sex-offender registry. The registry lists his last reported address in Ooltewah. The Tennessee Sex Offender Registry entry is public and includes the offense information and registration details.
Charges, Bond and Court Date
Collegedale police say a multi-agency investigation led to the arrest of Kian Andrew Neal on Friday. He is charged with criminal homicide, especially aggravated burglary, abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence and death under suspicious, unusual or unnatural circumstances. Neal is being held in the Hamilton County Jail on bonds totaling $1.2 million and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, officials said. "We extend our condolences to the family of Mr. Locke, and we appreciate the partnership of all agencies who assisted in bringing this case to a resolution," Chief Jack Sapp said in a statement to East Ridge News.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact Collegedale Police or the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. WDEF reports the case involves multi-county coordination and ongoing forensic work.
