Judge releases name of 15-year-old suspect in murder investigation of 13-year-old Powell

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – On Thursday, Juvenile Court Judge Tim Irwin released the name of the 15-year-old suspect in the murder of a 13-year-old girl in Powell.

Previous coverage: Teen charged with murder after 13-year-old's body found in Powell

Malakiah Lamar Harris was charged with second-degree murder.

Harris appeared in court for the second time on Thursday after the girl's body was found on Tuesday. So far, investigators have confirmed that the girl was stabbed multiple times with a pocket knife and was killed.

Previous coverage: The teenager charged with murdering a 13-year-old in Powell appears in court for the first time

Court documents obtained by WVLT News provide a glimpse into what investigators believe after examining the case:

“On October 22, 2024, shortly after 12:00 p.m., the defendant and the victim met near 7700 Cranley Road in Powell, TN,” the documents state. “During the interaction, the defendant stabbed the victim multiple times with a pocket knife he was carrying, killing him. He left her at the location without notifying anyone and she was found dead by citizens later that day.”

Harris is due back in court on Tuesday. He has now been appointed a lawyer and is being held in custody pending his trial.

Copyright 2024 WVLT. All rights reserved.