On the evening of March 18, 2021, Wayne Humphrey, a 41-year-old male, was fatally shot in the front yard of a home on the 2900 block of Brooks Avenue in Knoxville, Tennessee. Humphrey had just returned from his job at Cardin's Drive-In when the incident occurred. He was discovered with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembered by friends and family as a kind and generous person, Humphrey was an active member of his church. His sister described him as a genuine and caring man who was always willing to help others. Co-workers recalled him as someone who would give the shirt off his back and who could make you laugh when you were sad. His death left his family, including his mother, daughter, and sister, devastated.
The investigation into Humphrey's death has been ongoing for several years. Witnesses reported seeing a motorcycle speeding away from the scene, with some stating there was a passenger on the back. Descriptions of the passenger varied, with some believing it was a child and others an adult. According to his sister, the altercation that led to the shooting may have started when Humphrey stood up for a dog.
As of early 2025, no arrests have been made in the case, and it remains an unsolved homicide. The Knoxville Police Department has indicated that they believe they have identified the individuals involved and have turned the case over to the District Attorney's office for review. Despite this development, authorities are still appealing to the public for any information that might lead to an arrest. Humphrey's family continues to hold out hope for justice, pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
