Knoxville, July 25, 2025
News Summary
Wayne Parham, 28, has been arrested in North Carolina after a fatal shooting incident in Knoxville where Michael Velazquez, 48, was killed. Parham faces second-degree murder charges for the shooting that occurred during a dispute at an apartment complex on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue. Law enforcement agencies collaborated to apprehend Parham, who fled the scene of the crime. He is expected to be extradited to Knox County for legal proceedings.
Knoxville – A man wanted in connection to a fatal shooting in Knoxville has been arrested in North Carolina. The suspect, Wayne Parham, 28, was taken into custody on July 24, 2025, by law enforcement officials. He faces charges of second-degree murder following a shooting that occurred on July 6 at an apartment complex on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue.
The victim of the shooting, identified as Michael Velazquez, 48, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigations revealed that Velazquez was shot during a dispute. The suspect, Parham, fled the scene before police could arrive to apprehend him.
Law enforcement collaborated in apprehending Parham in Asheville, North Carolina. The arrest was made by the U.S. Marshals Smokey Mountain Fugitive Task Force, in conjunction with the Asheville Field Office of the U.S. Marshals and the Asheville Police Department. The Knoxville Police Department has expressed gratitude for the assistance received from these agencies during the arrest process.
Following his arrest, Wayne Parham is expected to be extradited to Knox County for further legal proceedings concerning the charges against him.
Details of the Incident
The shooting incident that led to Parham’s charges took place in the early evening hours near an apartment complex situated on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue. Witnesses reported a heated argument prior to the sound of gunfire. Authorities responded promptly to 911 calls but found Velazquez critically wounded. He was later declared dead at the scene, marking yet another tragic incident stemming from gun violence.
Law Enforcement Response
The Knoxville Police Department launched an investigation soon after the shooting occurred, gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. The collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies culminated in Parham’s arrest almost three weeks after the incident took place.
Context on Gun Violence in Knoxville
Gun violence remains a pressing concern in many urban areas across the United States, including Knoxville. As communities grapple with the implications of these incidents, law enforcement agencies face the continuous challenge of preventing further violence while effectively investigating past crimes. The arrest of Wayne Parham highlights both the urgency of addressing such issues and the importance of collaboration among law enforcement units to bring suspects to justice.
FAQ Section
What charges is Wayne Parham facing?
Wayne Parham has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Michael Velazquez in Knoxville.
Where was Wayne Parham arrested?
Wayne Parham was arrested in Asheville, North Carolina, by a collaborative task force involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
What happened during the shooting incident?
The shooting occurred during a dispute at an apartment complex on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, where Michael Velazquez was fatally injured.
What will happen next for Wayne Parham?
Wayne Parham will be extradited to Knox County to face further legal proceedings regarding the charges against him.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Wayne Parham, 28 |
| Victim | Michael Velazquez, 48 |
| Date of Shooting | July 6, 2025 |
| Date of Arrest | July 24, 2025 |
| Location of Shooting | Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, Knoxville |
| Location of Arrest | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Law Enforcement Involved | U.S. Marshals, Asheville Police Department |
| Charge | Second-degree murder |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Man shot while serving warrant
- WATE: Arrest in Knoxville drive-by shooting
- Knox News: Man arrested for shooting into Evape Tavern
- WATE: Two arrested in shooting death of Knoxville teen
- WBIR: Knoxville shooting update
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- Google Search: Knoxville crime news
- Google Scholar: Gun violence
- Google News: Knoxville shooting
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
