In the early morning hours of November 13, 2016, the life of 17-year-old Caleb Arwood was tragically cut short in Knoxville, Tennessee. His body was discovered by Knoxville Police Department officers in an alley off Jourolman Avenue just before 4:30 a.m. The young man had been shot multiple times.
Caleb, a male whose ethnicity was not specified, was described by close relatives as a troubled kid with a good heart.
He had been involved with a group home and was reportedly attempting to turn his life around. However, he had recently reconnected with people and activities that had previously led him into trouble. His cousin remembered him as 'the best person you could be around. Just hung out with the wrong people.'
The investigation into Caleb's death led authorities to a person of interest after a chase in the Ridgebrook Apartments complex, though no charges were filed at that time. The case continued to be investigated, and in April 2017, a Knox County Grand Jury indicted 19-year-old Bryant Christopher Mitchell on first-degree murder charges in connection with Caleb's death. The indictment noted that Mitchell was an alleged member of the Gangster Disciples, and if convicted, he could face enhanced punishment due to his alleged gang affiliation at the time of the crime. Mitchell had a prior criminal history that included convictions for attempted tampering or fabricating of evidence, possession of a handgun while under the influence, and resisting arrest.
In August 2019, Bryant Christopher Mitchell was found guilty of the first-degree murder of Caleb Arwood. During the trial, the court heard the harrowing details of the crime. Mitchell had shot Caleb multiple times, with two shots to the head paralyzing him. He then returned to shoot him an additional 14 times. For this brutal act, Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison and will not be eligible for parole for at least 51 years. The conviction brought a sense of justice to Caleb's grieving family and friends, who remembered him as a great kid with a great soul.
