KPD NEWS RELEASE: KPD Completes FARO Scan in Connection to 1989 Murder of KPD Officer Tony Williams

The Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit is continuing its investigation into the 1989 murder of KPD officer Tony Williams, which was recently reinvigorated with new evidence.  

On July 7, 1989, KPD patrol officer Tony Williams was shot and killed while riding his motorcycle on Cherry Street near I-40. Williams was off duty at the time of the murder.  

The investigation has remained open and active since 1989, though no suspects have been convicted for his murder.  

On the morning of Thursday, September 28, KPD closed portions of Cherry Street near I-40 to complete a FARO forensic scan of the area as part of the ongoing investigation. FARO scanners are utilized by forensics specialists to capture comprehensive and detailed 3D images of crime scenes that are later used in prosecution.  

The investigation is being assisted by the Knoxville Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  

“It’s been almost 35 years since Officer Williams was murdered, which has left Tony’s family and our department without any real closure,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “Our detectives have been aggressively working the case in recent years, and they have made significant progress over that time. I urge anyone with information that could potentially assist our efforts to bring closure to Tony’s family to contact the Homicide Unit.”   

Anyone with information that could potentially assist the investigation can contact Homicide Unit Sergeant Rodney Patton directly at 865-215-7022.