Violent — Cleveland, TN — reported 2026-07-02

SUMMARY

Christopher John Taylor was charged with second-degree murder in the death of Perry Freeman, who was found fatally stabbed inside a home on Lowery Street.

KEY FACTS

  • Incident type: Violent
  • Location: Cleveland, TN
  • Date reported: 2026-07-02
  • Suspect: male
  • Victim(s): 1 (Perry Freeman)

REPORTED DETAILS

  • The Bradley County Sheriff's Office has charged Christopher John Taylor with second-degree murder in the death of Perry Freeman.
  • Taylor served about four years in prison before his release in November 2025, according to state records.
  • A folding knife with what appeared to be blood on it was recovered near Freeman's feet and collected as evidence.
  • Witnesses told investigators that Taylor first approached Freeman's stepfather at a Pilot gas station on the night before the killing, saying he wanted to speak with Freeman.
  • Taylor later went to the Lowery Street home where Freeman was staying, then returned about two hours later.