An early-morning shooting in the Five Points area on May 6, 2026, has left a man dead and led to the arrest of a suspect, according to the Knoxville Police Department.
Officers were called to the 400 block of Taylor Homes Road shortly after 3 a.m. following reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Austin Purkey, 30, outside an apartment suffering from at least one gunshot wound to his lower body.
Emergency medical personnel provided immediate life-saving care at the scene before transporting Purkey to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, the family confirmed.
While securing the area, detectives collected evidence and spoke with witnesses as they worked to determine what led to the shooting. Investigators said the incident appeared to unfold quickly, and the motive remains under investigation.
During the investigation, authorities identified Isaiah Hill, 27, of Alcoa, as a suspect. Law enforcement later located a vehicle believed to be connected to Hill traveling eastbound on Interstate 40. With assistance from the Sevier Police Department and the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office, officers conducted a traffic stop and took Hill into custody without incident.
Hill was transported to the Knoxville Public Safety Complex, where he was questioned by detectives with the KPD Homicide Unit. He is currently being held as investigators continue reviewing evidence. Formal charges are pending.
The deadly shooting has left the Five Points community shaken as police continue their investigation. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
