KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Richard Lucas was still alive when when he was locked in a shed behind his home on Morelia Ave., according to the Knoxville Police Dept.
His body was found last Friday after a homeless woman said she killed someone at a home near Central Street. Authorities discovered him inside a storage bin and said he was severely beaten before being left there.
Kimberly Sutton, 36, and Joseph Underwood, 28, were both charged with Felony Murder, according to Knoxville Police spokesperson Darrell DeBusk. Sutton also faces one count Felony Theft; while Sutton, who was listed as homeless as well, was given an additional charge of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping.
Police believe Lucas knew his assailants, but have not determined a motive. An autopsy showed the 52 year-old died from blunt force trauma.
They discovered the Lucas' body after responding to a disturbance call at Tyson Park around 1:20 p.m. on Friday, DeBusk explained. At the time, he said, Sutton was arrested on an outstanding Violation of Probation charge and Underwood was taken into custody for Public Intoxication. While officers were taking her to jail, Sutton allegedly admitted to murdering the man and directed police to the out building.
