PHOTO: KNOXVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Knoxville Police Department (KPD) has apprehended 20-year-old Juan Carlos Diaz Perez, the suspect in the tragic death of his girlfriend, Suceli Perez, according to an official press release issued on Wednesday, July 24.
Diaz Perez had been sought in connection with the first-degree murder of Suceli Perez, as reported by WSAZ. The KPD press release stated that Diaz Perez was located and taken into custody near the Oak Ridge Quarry by the U.S. Marshals Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force. He is currently being transported back to Knoxville to face charges.
In their statement, the KPD expressed gratitude to multiple law enforcement agencies for their collaboration in the apprehension, including the U.S. Marshals Service, Oak Ridge Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and the 7th Judicial Drug Task Force.
The investigation into the case began on Monday, July 22, when detectives responded to a residence on Mercer Street following reports of a suspected homicide. According to the press release, evidence at the scene indicated a severe assault had occurred, leading to the issuance of warrants for Diaz Perez’s arrest.
Neither the suspect nor the victim were present at the residence when authorities arrived. A subsequent update from KPD on Tuesday, July 23, revealed that Suceli Perez’s body was discovered in the bed of Diaz Perez’s truck, which had been located in Oak Ridge. Authorities initially advised the public against approaching Diaz Perez and urged anyone with information to contact emergency services.
The KPD disclosed on Tuesday that Suceli Perez’s death appeared to be the result of blunt force trauma, pending confirmation from the Medical Examiner’s Office following an autopsy. The investigation remains active and ongoing as law enforcement continues to gather information regarding the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
For those experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers confidential assistance 24/7 in over 170 languages. Call 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org for support.
