DEKALB COUNTY, Tenn. — A suspect wanted in connection with a double homicide in Overton County was captured Sunday evening after a massive manhunt that spanned several counties.
Authorities identified the suspect as 27-year-old Payton Nations of Cookeville, who is now facing two counts of first-degree murder.
Sheriff Patrick Ray of DeKalb County provided the following account of the arrest:
“On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 12:19 p.m., DeKalb Central Dispatch received a call at Austin Bottom Lake Access about a man pushing a vehicle into the lake. The caller reported that the man fled on foot after pushing the vehicle into the water. Deputies arrived at the scene and confirmed that a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) had been issued out of Overton County in connection with a double homicide earlier in the day.
A multi-agency manhunt immediately ensued, with land, water, and air searches. Reverse 911 alerts were sent to residents in the Austin Bottom area, urging them to stay vigilant. Detectives gathered security camera footage that captured both the suspect and his vehicle near several homes, helping to confirm his direction of travel and clothing description.
At approximately 5:30 p.m., a motorist spotted someone matching the suspect’s description near Hurricane Bridge. A second reverse 911 alert was issued in that area. Roughly 30 minutes later, a resident on Old Baxter Road in Putnam County reported a man walking nearby who matched the description.
Shortly after, a Tennessee Highway Patrol officer located Nations and took him into custody without incident.”
Sheriff Ray praised the coordinated effort:
“I wish to thank our law enforcement partners — the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, Overton County Sheriff’s Department, DeKalb County Constable, DeKalb Central Dispatch, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This arrest was the result of excellent communication and teamwork across three counties.”
Officials said Nations will be charged with two counts of First Degree Murder and booked into the Overton County Jail without bond. The District Attorney’s Office will determine whether to pursue the death penalty.
Authorities also credited the public for their assistance during the manhunt, noting that multiple citizen tips helped lead to the suspect’s capture.
Leave a Reply