NEWPORT-The victim in Thursday morning's homicide at 344 Maple Leaf Way has been identified as 20-year-old Vernon Ray Meaders of Newport.

 

Newport Police Chief Maurice Shults said an autopsy on the body was scheduled this morning at the University of Tennessee Forensic Center in Knoxville.

 

"There are two TBI agents who are going to be there for the autopsy and as soon as they are done, they're coming back to Newport to go over the findings with us," said Shults.

 

A TBI crime lab was brought to the scene Thursday afternoon to help process evidence from the incident, which also resulted in stabbing injuries to a 16-year-old in the residence. Shults said the teen, whose identity hasn't been released, is still in ICU at UT Medical Center.

 

"We're going to try to interview her again today," he said. "She's doing better than expected. There's every indication she is going to survive.

 

Authorities, however, are releasing few other details about the case, pending completion of their investigation.

 

A 2-year-old was also reportedly present at the time of the homicide but was not injured. Shults said the child was placed in the custody of family members.

 

No suspect has been identified in the incident but Shults said investigators are following up on all leads. He has asked anyone with any information to contact the Newport Police Department at (423) 623-5556 or Central Dispatch at (423) 623-8777.