Larry Dean Claybaker Sr., a 78-year-old male, was tragically killed in the early morning hours of May 26, 2019, in Antioch, Tennessee. His life was cut short in an act of violence that police believe may have been a robbery. The circumstances of his death unfolded outside his own home on Sterry Court, leaving a community in shock and a family in mourning.
He was a man known for his kindness and his willingness to help others, particularly the homeless and less fortunate, making the nature of his death all the more poignant.
The first indication that something was amiss came when a neighbor made a grim discovery just before 9 a.m., finding Mr. Claybaker lying beside his car. Law enforcement was called to the scene, and it soon became apparent that he had been the victim of a fatal shooting. Residents in the quiet neighborhood reported hearing what they thought were gunshots sometime between the hours of midnight and 1 a.m. In the wake of the incident, a small blue hatchback, possibly a Toyota, was seen driving away from the area.
South Precinct detectives launched a homicide investigation, focusing on robbery as a potential motive for the senseless killing. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, there has been no public announcement regarding any arrests or the identification of any suspects in the case. The investigation into the murder of Larry Claybaker remains open. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the shooting or the blue vehicle that was seen leaving the scene to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers. The appeal for public assistance continues in the hope of bringing a resolution to this tragic case and providing answers for a grieving family.
