Months after the body of 44-year-old Elton Richardson was discovered in an abandoned structure in Ten Mile, investigators have made a second arrest in the Roane County murder case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation announced that 43-year-old Mitchel Crass was arrested on Wednesday, October 21, following indictments returned by a Roane County grand jury earlier in the week, according to WVLT Knoxville.
TL;DR: Mitchel Crass, 43, is the second man charged in connection with the January killing of Elton Richardson in Roane County, Tennessee. A grand jury indicted Crass on first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence on October 19. He was booked into the Roane County Jail on October 21 with bond set at $865,000.
A Death Discovered in January
The investigation began back in January, when TBI launched a probe after authorities found Richardson’s body in an abandoned structure near the 4600 block of Decatur Highway in Ten Mile, Roane County, Tennessee. The grim discovery in the quiet community set off a months-long investigation that has now led to two arrests.
In the days after Richardson’s body was found, Zackary Lowe was arrested and charged with first-degree murder. The case drew significant local attention — a bond hearing for Lowe in March drew supporters from Roane County, underscoring how closely the community has been following the case.
A Second Arrest After Continued Investigation
TBI special agents and the Roane County Sheriff’s Office continued to investigate the case for months after Lowe’s arrest. That continued work led to Monday, October 19, when the Roane County Grand Jury returned indictments against Crass.
The grand jury charged Crass with three counts: one count of first-degree murder, one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and one count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence. The tampering-related conspiracy charge suggests investigators believe efforts were made to conceal or alter evidence connected to Richardson’s death.
Crass was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 21, and booked into the Roane County Jail, where his bond was set at $865,000. Like Lowe, Crass is accused — he has not been convicted of any crime, and under Tennessee law he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Investigation Remains Active
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has said the investigation remains active and ongoing, meaning additional developments are possible in the weeks ahead. It is not yet known what connection Crass and Lowe may have had to Richardson, or what prosecutors believe the motive for the killing was. Those details could emerge as the case moves through the courts.
For now, the case stands as one of the more significant homicide prosecutions in Roane County this year, with two men facing first-degree murder charges in connection with a death that was first discovered nine months ago in an abandoned building along Decatur Highway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Roane County case?
The victim was Elton Richardson, 44. His body was found in an abandoned structure near the 4600 block of Decatur Highway in Ten Mile, Roane County, Tennessee, in January 2026.
Who has been arrested in the case?
Two men have been arrested. Zackary Lowe was arrested in the days after Richardson’s body was found and charged with first-degree murder. Mitchel Crass, 43, was arrested on October 21, 2026, on charges including first-degree murder.
What charges does Mitchel Crass face?
Crass was indicted by a Roane County grand jury on October 19 on one count of first-degree murder, one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and one count of conspiracy to commit tampering with evidence.
When was Crass indicted and arrested?
The Roane County Grand Jury returned the indictments on Monday, October 19, 2026. Crass was arrested on Wednesday, October 21, and booked into the Roane County Jail.
What is Crass’s bond?
His bond was set at $865,000 following his booking into the Roane County Jail.
Who investigated the case?
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, with assistance from the Roane County Sheriff’s Office. TBI launched its probe in January after Richardson’s body was discovered.
Where was Richardson’s body found?
Richardson was found in an abandoned structure near the 4600 block of Decatur Highway in Ten Mile, Roane County, Tennessee.
Is the investigation over?
No. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has said the investigation remains active and ongoing, so further developments are possible.
