7/24/24 UPDATE: Wanted Juan Carlos Diaz Perez has been taken into custody. He was located and arrested near the Oak Ridge Quarry by the U.S. Marshals Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force. Diaz Sanchez is being transported back to Knoxville. 

The KPD appreciates the U.S. Marshals Service, Oak Ridge Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the 7th Judicial Drug Task Force for their assistance. 

7/23/24 UPDATE: The victim from the murder at a home in the 1200 block of Mercer Street has been identified as Suceli Perez, 18. It is believed that the victim died by blunt force trauma, pending Medical Examiner’s Office autopsy.

Update: Warrants are on file charging Diaz Perez with first-degree murder. 

The body of the victim was found in the bed of the Diaz Perez’s truck that was recovered in Oak Ridge. The identity of the victim, an adult woman, is being withheld at this time. 

Efforts remain ongoing to locate Diaz Perez in the area of Wisconsin Avenue in Oak Ridge. The search has been assisted by the Oak Ridge Police Department, Roane County Sheriff’s Office, Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshal Service. 

Anyone who sees Diaz should not approach him and call 9-1-1. 

Original Story: Knoxville Police Department detectives are investigating a suspected homicide that happened at a home on Mercer Street.

On Monday afternoon, KPD received a third-party report that a man had gravely injured his girlfriend at a home in the 1200 block of Mercer Street. Homicide Unit detectives and Forensics personnel responded to the home, where they located evidence of a potentially deadly assault.

The victim or suspect were not at the scene when officers arrived.

The suspect has since been identified as Juan Carlos Diaz Perez, who is shown in the attached picture. He left the scene in a white pickup truck, which was located by Oak Ridge Police Department officers at a park in the Oak Ridge area a short time ago, off of the Oak Ridge Turnpike near Sweet Gum Lane. The suspect was not found with the truck and efforts are underway to locate him.  

Anyone who see Diaz Perez is asked to call 9-1-1.

The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

Tennessee’s two United States Senators are calling for President Joe Biden to resign after making the announcement he will no longer seek to run for re-election.

Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty each say Biden should resign immediately if he isn’t capable of running for re-election.

Biden says he is intent on completing his term.

President Joe Biden announcing he would no longer be running in the 2024 presidential election.

The move comes after several Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, reportedly pushed for it.

Several of East Tennessee’s lawmakers releasing statements shortly after the president’s announcement yesterday (Sunday).

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon saying it’s takes courage to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs saying if Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president. He needs to RESIGN NOW!

Republican Representatives Tim Burchett, Diana Harshbarger along with Democratic Representatives Gloria Johnson and Steve Cohen all expressing their thoughts for and against the President’s decision.

Sunday, President Joe Biden announced he would no longer be running in the 2024 presidential election.

The move comes after several Democratic leaders, including Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama, reportedly pushed for it.

Several of East Tennessee’s lawmakers released statements shortly after the president’s announcement. WVLT News is collecting those statements here in real-time as they are released.

Knoxville-area Mayors

Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs (R)

For months, Democrats denied Biden suffered from cognitive decline. Now that they can no longer hide it, they’re kicking him to the curb. But the problems go deeper than one man. It’s doesn’t matter who they run, this country needs

back in the White House. https://x.com/GlennJacobsTN/status/1815087648999907473

Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon (D)

It takes courage and humility to step aside and pass the baton to the next generation of leaders. Putting his country first will be Joe Biden’s legacy.

I want to thank President Biden. Since he took office, Knoxville has secured more than $100 M in federal grants for affordable housing, reducing gun violence, safer streets, & planting trees.

From our $42.6 M Reconnecting Communities grant, to capping the price of insulin at $35 per month for seniors, President Biden has made a huge positive difference in the lives of everyday people.Mayor Indya Kincannon on X (formerly Twitter)

State Representatives

Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper

Today, we acknowledge a significant moment in our nation’s history as President Joe Biden has announced his decision not to seek re-election. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to President Biden for his unwavering service to our country. Throughout his tenure, he has kept his commitment to the American people, delivering on numerous campaign promises that have led to substantial progress in our society.

President Biden’s leadership during these challenging times has been commendable, and his dedication to the principles of democracy and justice has been inspiring. We thank him for his steadfast resolve and the positive changes he has championed.

In his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for President, we see a continuation of this legacy of leadership and progress. Vice President Harris has demonstrated exceptional service and dedication in her role, and her experience and vision make her an outstanding candidate to lead our nation forward.

I fully support Vice President Harris in her bid to become the next President of the United States. Her commitment to equality, justice, and the well-being of all Americans reflects the values we hold dear. Together, we will work to ensure a brighter future for our country.

Thank you, President Biden, for your service and commitment. And thank you, Vice President Harris, for your unwavering dedication. We stand with you as we embark on this new chapter for America.Tennessee House Minority Leader Karen Camper

Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus

In 2020, while everyone around me was choosing sides and lining up behind their preferred Democratic candidates for President, I patiently awaited the entry of Vice President Joe Biden into the race. Once Vice President Biden entered the race, I was locked in and vowed that I was Ridin’ with Biden come hell or high water.

Today, as President Joseph R. Biden announces his intention not to seek re-election, I am saddened but I am forever proud of having supported the man who defeated Donald Trump and restored hope in America. President Biden delivered for the American people on election night in 2020 and every day during his term in office. Our nation is better today because President Biden served.

The next Democratic President will inherit a historic record of accomplishments to build on. Our party must do everything in its power to ensure that we protect President Biden’s legacy while fighting to make the lives of ordinary people better.

At this critical moment with so much on the line, we must unite as a party and deliver for the American people. The path ahead is clear. We have one objective and that is to make sure that Donald Trump does not return to the White House.

Mr. President, we will carry out the mission and finish the job of building back better.Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Hendrell Remus

Rep Marsha Blackburn (R)

Finally, Joe Biden has realized what the rest of the American people and even his own party already knew—he is not only the wrong leader for America, but is wholly incapable of doing the job of President of the United States. But he didn’t go far enough. https://x.com/VoteMarsha/status/1815083933001781323

Rep. Tim Burchett (R)

Due to the President’s condition, I did not see any other path forward. https://x.com/RepTimBurchett/status/1815084816804589731

Rep. Gloria Johnson (D)

Merely shared a photo https://x.com/VoteGloriaJ/status/1815088954980589966

Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R)

Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection confirms what I and many of my colleagues have known for years: Joe Biden is unfit to lead.

Though Democrats and the media have ignored the President’s rapid decline in mental and physical health for months, his decision to drop out of the race is an overt admission of his poor condition and his inability to serve out the rest of his term as President of the United States.

I could not agree more with President Trump and Vice Presidential Nominee JD Vance who have repeatedly said that if Joe Biden is not fit to run for reelection, he is not fit to be commander-in-chief.Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R)

Rep. Steve Cohen (D)

Kamala Harris has the prosecutorial chops to make mincemeat of the mendacious malefactor Trump ! https://x.com/RepCohen/status/1815100989420269831

Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R)

It is no secret President Biden’s health has been in decline for quite some time. I am glad to see that he has made the best choice for himself, his family, and for the country.Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R)

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