SUBJECT: Kingsport Detectives Investigating Discovery of Human Remains (Update: Remains Identified)

DATE: May 19th, 2025

CASE#: 25-003401

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: The human remains discovered near the 3700 block of East Stone Drive on March 13th, 2025, have been identified as Lawrence Miller by the William L. Jenkins Forensic Center in Johnson City, TN. Lawrence was last seen in January of 2024 in Atlanta, GA. Lawrence had not been in contact with his family since that time. The manner of death listed post-autopsy was suicide.

As previously released:

On March 13th, 2025, at approximately 5:00 PM, Kingsport Police Department Patrol Officers and Detectives responded to the 3700 block of East Stone Drive in Kingsport in reference to the discovery of human remains, believed to be that of an adult male, which were found in a wooded area.

The on-site investigation is ongoing, with assistance from Forensic Examiners with the East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine. No further details are currently available for release, as this is an active investigation by the K.P.D. Criminal Investigations Division. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available, but only at an appropriate point in the investigation.

VICTIM

Name Lawrence Miller

Age 39

Gender/Race Male/White 

Height/Weight 138/5’5″ 

Hair/Eyes Brown/Brown 

Residency Dalton, GA 

Last Known Location Atlanta, GA

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9339, Fax (423) 343-9749 

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Missing Adult (Update: Found Safe)

DATE:  May 15th, 2025

CASE #: 25-006016

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Update: Thomas DeGroat Jr. has been found safe and is no longer missing. The Kingsport Police Department would like to thank the public for their assistance.

As previously released:

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 33-year-old Thomas DeGroat Jr. Thomas was last seen walking on Fort Henry Drive on the afternoon of 05/07/2025.

Anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.

Alternatively, if an individual who can provide information to this or any case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

MISSING PERSON INFORMATION

Name Thomas DeGroat Jr.

Age 33

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location Fort Henry Drive

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Missing Adult

DATE:  May 13th, 2025

CASE #: 25-006016

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 33-year-old Thomas DeGroat Jr. Thomas was last seen walking on Fort Henry Drive on the afternoon of 05/07/2025.

Anyone with information on Thomas’ whereabouts is asked to contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.

Alternatively, if an individual who can provide information to this or any case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

MISSING PERSON INFORMATION

Name Thomas DeGroat Jr.

Age 33

Gender/Race Male/White

Residency Fort Henry Drive in Kingsport TN

Last Known Location Fort Henry Drive

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

SUBJECT:  KPD Searching for Runaway Juvenile (Rerelease)

DATE:  May 6th, 2025 

CASE #: 25-004430

GENERAL NARRATIVE

Rerelease: The Kingsport Police Department is still searching for Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford and seeking any information that could assist in locating her.

As previously released:

The Kingsport Police Department is searching for 15-year-old, Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford. Exenia is believed to have left voluntarily from an address on Watterson Street. Exenia is a white female, last seen wearing a white shirt and gray sweatpants. Exenia has been entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) as a runaway Juvenile.

Anyone with information on Exenia’s whereabouts is asked to contact Kingsport Central Dispatch at (423) 246-9111 or the Criminal Investigations Division at (423) 229-9429.

Alternatively, if an individual who can provide information to this or any case wishes not to be identified, tips can be submitted anonymously via online “Citizen Feedback” forms available at the following link:

https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/contact-us

MISSING PERSON INFORMATION

Name Exenia “Scarlett” Pafford 

Age 15

Gender/Race Female/White 

Residency Watterson Street in Kingsport TN 

Possible Clothing White shirt and gray sweatpants

Last Known Location Watterson Street

RELEASING OFFICER

Corporal Brandon Arnold

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 343-9866, Fax (423) 343-9749

BrandonArnold@KingsportTN.gov

SUBJECT:  KPD Recognizes Correctional Employees During National Corrections Officers Week  

DATE:  May 5^th, 2025  

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department proudly recognizes and honors its Corrections Officers during National Corrections Officers Week, observed May 4–11, 2025. This annual event shines a much-deserved spotlight on the dedicated men and women who serve behind the walls, ensuring the safety, security, and order of the Kingsport City Jail.  Corrections Officers play a vital, often unseen role in public safety. Their work demands professionalism, integrity, and resilience as they manage complex situations and uphold the law in a secure environment. These officers are responsible for the custody and care of inmates and maintaining a safe working environment within the Kingsport City Jail.

National Correctional Officers and Employees Week is celebrated annually in the first full week of May.  It is a week that honors the dedication and professionalism of correctional officers and correctional staff to acknowledge their vital role in maintaining safety and security within correctional facilities.  National Correctional Officer’s Week was established by Presidential Proclamation in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. 

The Kingsport City Jail employs 8 full time Corrections Officer and 1 full time Jail Administrator.  The jail is staffed 24/7 and is certified to hold inmates for up to 72 hours before being transferred to county facilities.  The Kingsport Police Department invites the community to join in thanking these professionals for their vital service to the City of Kingsport.   

RELEASING OFFICER

Lieutenant Justin McConnell

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9499, Fax (423) 343-9749 

JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov