In the small town of Summertown, Tennessee, 25-year-old Patrick Michael Barger, a White/Caucasian male, was known for his free-spirited and kind nature. Often seen with his beloved green-cheeked conure, Rikka, perched on his shoulder, he was described as a hippie at heart who was always ready for an adventure. A certified welder by trade, Barger was also a passionate member of the 'Poor Boy Swag' truck group. His life, however, was tragically cut short on March 17, 2023.
On that St. Patrick's Day, Barger's brother made a heartbreaking discovery. He found Patrick deceased from a gunshot wound inside a workshop on Caldwell Road where he had been staying. The night before, Patrick had been hiking with his mother, Bridget, and was last known to be alive after 10 p.m. His family was left reeling, struggling to comprehend who would want to harm the gentle and helpful young man. In the initial aftermath, his cherished bird, Rikka, went missing, adding to the family's distress.
Months later, in a small comfort to the grieving family, Rikka was found over 30 miles away and returned home. However, the central questions surrounding Patrick's death remain unanswered. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office has been investigating the case, conducting interviews and following up on leads, but as of late 2024, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
The lack of progress has left Patrick Barger's family in a state of prolonged anguish, desperate for closure and justice. They have put forth a $10,000 reward for any information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the hope that someone will come forward with the key to solving the case. The family continues to plead with the community for assistance, holding onto the hope that the person or people responsible for Patrick's murder will be brought to justice.
