Rickman, Tenn. — 27-Year-Old Peyton Nations in Custody After Multi-County Manhunt Following Double Homicide
RICKMAN, TENN. (Sept. 21, 2025) — A tense and emotional day across three Tennessee counties came to an end late Sunday with the capture of 27-year-old Peyton Nations, the man accused of fatally shooting two people in what authorities are calling a domestic-related double homicide in the Rickman community of Overton County.
Nations was apprehended near a pond in DeKalb County after an hours-long search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. According to authorities, the suspect surrendered peacefully and was unarmed at the time of his arrest. Investigators believe he attempted to evade capture by swimming across a section of Center Hill Lake after crashing his vehicle during the pursuit.
A Day of Violence and Pursuit
The tragic chain of events began shortly before noon on Sunday, when deputies with the Overton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the Rickman community following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, they discovered two victims deceased at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released, pending family notification.
Officials have confirmed the victims were known to the suspect and that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute. The crime scene was described by law enforcement as “disturbing and deeply personal,” prompting an urgent manhunt for Nations, who had fled the scene in a vehicle.
Manhunt Spans Three Counties
After leaving Overton County, Nations drove through Putnam County before entering DeKalb County, where he reportedly ditched his vehicle near Austin Bottom by running it into the water at Center Hill Lake. The suspect then fled into the surrounding woods.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), and local sheriff’s offices from Overton, Putnam, and DeKalb counties coordinated resources in a sweeping search effort that covered both land and water.
Authorities say the vehicle crash and the location where it entered the lake played a key role in narrowing the search area.
Dramatic Capture Near a Pond
Law enforcement officials say Nations was eventually located hiding near a pond in DeKalb County, several hours after abandoning his car. Although initial reports feared he may still be armed, he was found without any weapons and taken into custody without resistance.
TBI agents served him with warrants for murder at the time of his arrest. He was transported to a secure facility for processing and is expected to be arraigned in the coming days.
Community on Edge, Now Searching for Answers
The news of the double homicide and subsequent manhunt left residents in the small communities of Rickman and surrounding areas stunned and fearful.
“Something like this just doesn’t happen here,” said one Rickman resident, who lives just blocks from the scene. “People were locking their doors, looking out their windows, and praying it ended without anyone else getting hurt.”
Overton County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert during the manhunt, asking residents to remain indoors and report any suspicious activity. Schools and businesses in the region were briefly put on high alert until the suspect was captured.
District Attorney Confirms Charges Are Pending
District Attorney Bryant Dunaway confirmed Sunday evening that formal charges are being filed against Nations, and that his office is working closely with investigators across all three counties to ensure a thorough prosecution.
“This was a horrific act of violence that has devastated a family and shocked our entire region,” Dunaway said in a statement. “We are committed to seeking justice for the victims and ensuring that the individual responsible is held fully accountable.”
No Known Criminal History, But Troubled Background
Though details are still emerging, sources familiar with the investigation said Nations had no extensive criminal history, but may have had prior domestic-related incidents. Officials declined to comment further, citing the active investigation.
What’s Next
Peyton Nations remains in custody as of Monday morning. His initial court appearance is expected within 48 hours, where prosecutors are likely to present formal charges of first-degree murder and potentially other related offenses.
Autopsies on the two victims are being conducted by the state medical examiner’s office, and investigators continue to gather evidence from multiple scenes across the tri-county area.
A Community in Mourning
As law enforcement begins to wrap up the initial phases of their investigation, residents across Rickman and the surrounding towns are left grappling with grief and questions about how such a tragedy could unfold in their midst.
“This is a small community where everybody knows everybody,” said a local pastor. “This loss cuts deep. We’ll be holding vigils and supporting the family in any way we can.”
Anyone with Information Urged to Come Forward
Although the suspect is in custody, authorities are urging anyone who may have information about Nations’ actions or movements leading up to the incident to contact the Overton County Sheriff’s Office or the TBI. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online or through local Crime Stoppers programs.
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