UPDATE: Crockett Co. Sheriff’s Dept. identifies Victim and Suspect

CROCKETT CO., Tenn.—Authorities release an update to Saturday’s fatal murder just outside Gadsden.

Ephrim O’Neal Cook,
Courtesy of Crockett Co. Sheriffs Dept.

According to a social media post from the Crockett County Sheriff’s Dept., 66-year-old Ephrim O’Neal Cook has been charged with First Degree Murder for the premeditated killing of 47-year-old Fredrine Booker. The post also stated that Cook will be charged with Possession of a handgun during the commission of a dangerous felony.

According to authorities, Cook has a criminal history and was out on bond for aggravated assault and failure to appear. He is being held without bond at the Crockett County Jail.

In a statement from the post, Sheriff Klyce said, “This is a senseless tragedy that could have easily been prevented. There was a massive response from law enforcement agencies across the county to quickly take control of this situation ensuring the person responsible was immediately taken into custody. Our investigators are hard at work gathering all the evidence related to this crime. I appreciate everything the ambulance service did for Mrs. Booker – unfortunately, the internal trauma was too severe to overcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as well as the friends.”

The post also states that the Medical Examiners’ Office has ordered Mrs. Booker to be sent to Nashville for autopsy.

According to Crockett Co. Sheriffs Dept., this is an active and ongoing investigation and anyone with information is urged to call (731) 696-2104.

ORIGINAL STORY:

08/24/24

Woman killed in shooting, suspect in custody

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — Authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that took place in Crockett county Saturday evening, right outside of Gadsden.

According to the Crockett County Sheriff’s department, around 5 o’clock Saturday evening, they received a call that a woman had been shot.

Authorities say she was rushed to the hospital and the alleged shooter was immediately taken into custody.

Around 8 that evening, authorities shared that the victim ultimately died from her injuries.

“It’s a sad day in Crockett county when any of our citizens are hurt, so our hearts go out to the family and all of those that are involved,” shared Stephen Sutton, public information officer for the Crockett County Sheriff’s department.

Authorities say identities are being withheld at this time and this is an ongoing investigation.

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