POWELL, Tenn. — A 15-year-old suspect is set to appear before the judge on Nov. 4 after authorities said he killed a 13-year-old girl.
Knox County Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin identified the suspect as Malakiah L. Harris.
Investigators said the victim suffered several stab wounds and was found by a couple of people along a popular walking trail last week in the Broadacres community.
Faith leaders said the shocking crime and the ages of the suspect and victim have left the community stunned.
"This is as tragic as it gets," First Baptist Church of Powell Pastor Perry Garrett said.
Garrett joined First Baptist Church of Powell as senior pastor in 2020. He said news of the case has rocked the community.
"I've seen shock, of course, that's a part of it," he said. "I think that's an appropriate response. These things ought to shock us."
First Baptist Church of Powell is one of the several churches in the area and church leaders said it forms a key part of the community.
Faith and unity surround a community in mourning.
"We hurt for them, we hurt deeply for them," Garrett said. "I even personally hurt not only as a pastor but as a father."
The 15-year-old boy was a student at Powell High School and the 13-year-old attended Powell Middle School. The student pastor at First Baptist Powell is in touch with leaders at the schools.
"Just to say we're here if we can support you," he said. "If we can support you, if we can come along students or families, if there's people that ask questions."
He said in the middle of trials and tribulations, the role of the local church is more than a Sunday sermon but a daily sense of comfort.
"It is God's chosen instrument for life, for hope and for peace," Garrett said.
He said in a season where the brokenhearted grieve, it's the community's faith that's walking hand-in-hand with the families.
"I know a number of people who are praying for the families in particular that are immediately impacted by this tragedy," he said.
WBIR has the name of the victim but will not be releasing it at this time. We are honoring the family's request as they have asked us to not release the name until after the funeral.