Robert Chitwood was arrested and booked into McMinn County jail on multiple felony charges including first-degree murder, according to booking records.
The charges filed against Chitwood include first-degree murder under Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-202, aggravated kidnapping under TCA § 39-13-304, and aggravated assault under TCA § 39-13-102. Additional charges include using a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and theft of property, both felonies.
Chitwood was booked into custody on July 24, 2025, jail records show.
The first-degree murder charge represents the most serious criminal offense under Tennessee law, carrying potential penalties up to life imprisonment or death. Aggravated kidnapping, classified as a Class A felony, involves unlawfully confining another person under circumstances that expose the victim to substantial risk of bodily injury.
The aggravated assault charge suggests the incident involved intentionally or knowingly causing serious bodily injury to another person, or using a deadly weapon to threaten imminent bodily injury. The firearm enhancement charge indicates a weapon was allegedly used during the commission of one or more of the underlying felonies.
Records indicate this marks Chitwood's second booking in the county jail system, with one prior entry in McMinn County.
The theft of property charge, also filed as a felony, suggests the alleged incident involved stealing items valued at significant amounts under Tennessee criminal statutes.
McMinn County, located in southeastern Tennessee with Athens serving as the county seat, encompasses approximately 430 square miles. The county's judicial system handles criminal cases through the McMinn County General Sessions Court and Circuit Court.
Booking records show Chitwood was the only person processed into McMinn County jail on July 24, making this a notable arrest for the typically quiet county.
The combination of charges suggests a complex criminal case involving multiple alleged victims and circumstances. First-degree murder charges require proof of premeditation, while aggravated kidnapping involves restraining someone against their will under dangerous conditions.
Tennessee's criminal code treats the use of firearms during dangerous felonies as a separate, additional offense that carries mandatory minimum sentences. The enhancement charge can add significant time to any potential sentence if Chitwood is convicted on the underlying felonies.
McMinn County Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the arrest or the alleged crimes. Court records and charging documents may provide more information as the case progresses through the judicial system.
The case will likely be presented to a McMinn County grand jury for potential indictment on the felony charges. Tennessee law requires grand jury review for felony prosecutions, where citizens review evidence to determine whether formal charges should proceed to trial.
Defense attorneys in such cases typically challenge evidence, witness testimony, and the state's ability to prove each element of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. The multiple felony charges suggest prosecutors believe they have substantial evidence linking Chitwood to the alleged crimes.
McMinn County's court system will handle preliminary hearings and arraignments before any potential trial proceedings. The severity of the charges means the case will likely receive significant attention from local law enforcement and judicial officials.