Suspect charged with second-degree murder after man found dead in Selmer

SELMER, Tenn. — We have new details regarding a man found dead in his home in Selmer. The Selmer Police Department is now investigating the moments that led up to this tragedy.

Tuesday morning, the Selmer Police Department was dispatched to a residence on the 30th block of Timber Lane following a call for a welfare check just after 8 a.m.

“Once we got there, we spoke to a family member who said he hasn’t talked to his brother since last Friday. So, we were able to make entry through the carport area and as soon as we made entry through the carport area we found a white male deceased in a recliner,” said Chief Holley.

That person has been identified as Jerry Cagle. According to Police Chief Kim Holley, nothing appeared suspicious outside the perimeter of the home.

“It was quiet. The house was locked up, every door was locked up, the carport was locked up — just that family members were concerned because they hadn’t heard anything from him,” said Chief Holley.

During their investigation, they found sufficient evidence to charge Jeffery L. Huggins with second-degree murder, tampering with evidence and domestic violence.

“We determined it looked to be foul play and then we started to investigate it as being a homicide. So, after the homicide investigation started, we took Mr. Jeffrey Huggins into custody as a suspect into this,” said Chief Holley.

Neighbors tell us they are heartbroken and never expected such a horrific incident to happen to a beloved friend in their community. According to Chief Holley, the specific relation between the suspect and the homeowner is uncertain, but Huggins was living with Cagle.

“We called a medical examiner. We did send Mr. Cagle out for forensics to do an autopsy so we went ahead and done this case on our own. We did not involve TBI. So this is primary of the Selmer Police Department case,” said Chief Holley.

According to Chief Holley, residents should not be worried about any potential threats in their neighborhood concerning this homicide. We will continue to update you on this case as more information develops.

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