SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) – A Johnson City woman was arrested after an investigation into a “suspicious death” in Sullivan County.
According to a release from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to the 1500 block of Hunting Hill Road in Bluff City around 11 a.m. on Monday, May 31.
The release states a woman was found dead at the scene from “an apparent gunshot wound.”
SCSO reports information led investigators to speak to Misty Magic James, 26, of Johnson City about the murder.
James was arrested and charged with especially aggravated burglary and felony murder.
The victim was officially identified by SCSO as Trina Jones, 60.
As of Tuesday, the investigation is still ongoing.
The release states James remains in jail on a $100,000 bond.
On Tuesday, friends and family of Trina Jones spoke with News Channel 11, in shock that something like this happened.
“I just can’t imagine this has happened to a poor sweet lady like that,” said Carolyn Bowden, a neighbor of Trina Jones.
Bowden said she’d lived in the house next door since 2016 and knew Jones well. She said she was home when it happened and called 911.
“I was in the living room on the couch and we heard screaming. I was really scared,” she said.
Once investigators released that Misty James was in custody, the victim’s sister, Melissa Jones told News Channel 11 she knew James and that she was dating the victim’s son.
While friends and family continue to ask why it happened, they’re also taking this time to remember the person Trina was.
“She was more than a sister to me. She’s going to be remembered as a generous person somebody that will give you all they have to give and never ask for anything in return,” said Melissa Jones.
“That poor lady, she was a real sweet lady. She didn’t deserve to die like this,” said Bowden.
Investigators have yet to release any details regarding the motive in this case. The cause of death is assumed to be from an apparent gunshot wound, but investigators are still waiting on the return of a final autopsy.
