20-03-2025
Four years later, Knoxville woman continues effort to find her brother's killer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — A sister is searching for answers in her brother's cold case four years after he was shot and killed.
On March 18, 2021 the Knoxville Police Department responded to the 2900 block of Brooks Avenue. KPD found Wayne Humphrey inside a home with a gunshot wound.
'He was murdered right in his front yard, he had just gotten off work,' Heather Philion, Humphrey's sister said. 'I know someone knows something and they're terrified and I would be terrified too.' Anything that they have, anyone who saw something, heard something.'
Wayne Humphrey known for his smile and big heart. In 2022, his friend told 6 News that Humphry was a kind sweet-hearted person who would give you the shirt off this back.
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'He was always busy, he always made friends, always just out and about,' Philion said. 'The smile on that boy's face.'
Philion learning the news her brother was killed from a phone call.
'My kids received the phone call, my children,' Philion said. 'My children were the one's that had to me up off of the coach and say you need to call your mom. I called my mom and all I heard was the guttural scream on the phone, your brother is dead.'
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Four years later, the case remains unsolved. Previously, investigators said a person was seen driving away from the scene on a motorcycle with a child on the back.
'Just like any other person that has an unsolved crime, don't forget because there is someone out there that,' Philion said. 'There are hearts that are breaking and there are families that are destroyed by this. This is the family, this is what we were.'
Humphrey was 41 years old.
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The Knoxville Police Department is asking anyone with new information and evidence to reach out to the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
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