An arrest has been made in connection with a fire started in an Athens, Tennessee, church, with the suspect, Kyle Jay Hickox, being taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder. Police believe that Hickox killed Linda Buchanan inside the church before starting the blaze. Surveillance footage captured Hickox in the area several times before and after the fire destroyed the historic church. Buchanan did not die from the fire but was killed by another person before the fire was ignited. Additional charges are pending against Hickox in connection with the murder and arson.
The police report obtained by WZTV revealed details of the surveillance footage showing Hickox running across the property of the Athens YMCA and onto the property of Tennessee Wesleyan University. He entered a maintenance building at the college, where a worker inside told him to leave. Hickox responded that he would “get God’s water” before leaving. Shortly after, Hickox was seen running toward St. Mark AME Zion Church and entering through the back door. He was then observed running through the YMCA property toward the college’s soccer field, where he removed his shirt and wrapped it around one of his hands, washing himself off with a hose.
Following the incident, police executed a search warrant at Hickox’s Athens home and discovered clothing that they believe he was wearing when the church was set on fire. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Crime Lab confirmed that blood on Hickox’s left shoe matched Buchanan’s blood. Hickox was subsequently booked into the McMinn County Jail but has since been released. The investigation into the murder of Linda Buchanan and the arson of the church is ongoing, with law enforcement authorities working to gather evidence and build a case against the suspect.
The arrest and charges against Kyle Jay Hickox have caused shock and concern in the local community of Athens, Tennessee. The violent nature of the crime, involving the murder of a woman inside a church and setting the building on fire, has raised questions about the motives and background of the suspect. The surveillance footage and forensic evidence linking Hickox to the crime have provided investigators with crucial information to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident. The community is waiting for further updates from law enforcement regarding the progress of the investigation and any new developments in the case.
The tragic death of Linda Buchanan and the destruction of the historic church in Athens have left a lasting impact on the community, prompting calls for justice and closure in the case. The arrest of Kyle Jay Hickox and the charges brought against him have raised hopes that those responsible for the heinous crime will be held accountable. As the investigation continues, residents of Athens and beyond are coming together to support each other and honor the memory of the victim. The details emerging from the surveillance footage and forensic analysis shed light on the sequence of events leading up to the murder and arson, providing a clearer picture of the crime and the suspect’s actions.
The collaboration between local law enforcement agencies, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the community at large underscores the collective effort to bring justice to Linda Buchanan and hold the perpetrator accountable. The swift actions taken by police in identifying and apprehending the suspect demonstrate their commitment to protecting the public and seeking justice for the victims. As the legal process unfolds and more information comes to light, the community of Athens remains resilient in the face of tragedy, standing together in solidarity and remembrance. The resolution of the case will hopefully provide closure to those affected by the horrific events and serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding justice and maintaining the safety and well-being of all members of society.
