KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — UPDATE THURSDAY, MAY 18:
The Knoxville Police Department has captured Jair Martin, according to a tweet published Thursday morning.
Martin is suspected of killing Madison Johnson and Heidi Johnson. KPD's Special Operation Squad (SWAT) arrested him at an apartment on Goins Drive, KPD said.
Officers responded to the apartment after receiving a tip that Martin was possibly inside, according to KPD.
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UPDATE WEDNESDAY, MAY 17: East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers is offering a reward to find the man suspected of killing two young women in South Knoxville on May 13.
Jair Martin, 26, is suspected of killing Madison Johnson, 22, and Heidi Johnson, 20. The women were found in a home in the 400 block of Woodlawn Pike.
Heidi Johnson lived in Sevier County, according to her obituary. Her family said she "cared very deeply for those who cared for her."
"Heidi Annette was a sweet, kind, and beautiful soul with a feisty side! She had the most beautiful smile and eyes that let others feel love through them. She was a bright light mixed with a category 5 hurricane. She was a girl who fought through the worst pain and recovered from brain surgery. Heidi acted like she did not have a care in the world, but cared very deeply for those who cared for her. She was loyal and would defend others when no one else would. When someone was broken, she would stay by their side. She should be honored and remembered forever," her obituary said.
Police are looking for Martin. He's been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, according to Knoxville Police Department spokesman Scott Erland. KPD said it has received numerous tips since Saturday, but officers have not been able to find Martin.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation also issued a Most Wanted alert for Martin. They said he should be considered armed and dangerous.
If you have information about Martin, you're asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. It is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to Martin's arrest.
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PREVIOUS STORY: The Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit said they were investigating a suspected double murder that happened in South Knoxville on Saturday morning.
At around 8:56 a.m. on Saturday, May 13, KPD officers said they responded to a domestic disturbance at a home on Woodlawn Pike.
According to KPD, due to the potential that an armed suspect was still inside the home, crisis negotiators were requested and dispatched to the scene. Police said negotiators attempted to make contact with anybody inside the home but were unsuccessful.
KPD said they later entered the home, after finding no indication that the suspect was still inside, and found two women dead.
Later on Saturday, they said they identified the suspect as Jair Romario Martin, 26, from Knoxville. They said warrants were on file for two counts of first-degree murder, and they said they were searching for him. They said he "left the immediate area of the murders on foot."
They said anyone with information about Martin's location should reach out to the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at either 865-215-7165 or online.
This story will be updated as more information is available.
