Chattanooga, October 25, 2025
News Summary
Four suspects have been charged in the double homicide of Russell Paris and Gloria Hill in Chattanooga. The investigation has uncovered links to a previous shooting, suggesting a motive of retaliation. Key evidence and community engagement have played a significant role in the recent arrests. The case had garnered public attention over the years as police sought tips to resolve the matter. All charged individuals now face serious consequences for their alleged involvement in the crime.
Chattanooga
Four individuals have been charged in connection with the December 1, 2020 double homicide of Russell Paris (61) and Gloria Hill (66) in Chattanooga. The newly charged suspects include 32-year-old Willie Lee Wooten Jr. and 26-year-old Anthony Jermaine George, both arrested recently. Previously, 39-year-old Cornealious Lebron Beasley was charged on October 20, and 30-year-old Khavell Mailik Williams was arrested on July 30, 2025. All four face two counts of first-degree murder and are currently held in the Hamilton County Jail.
Russell Paris was shot in front of his home located in the 1700 block of South Kelly Street, while Gloria Hill was shot outside her home in the 1700 block of South Willow Street on the same evening. Investigators suggest that the murders are potentially linked to a prior shooting involving Timothy Taylor, in which 23-year-old Jaylon Hill was convicted for his role. The motive for the double homicide appears to be retaliation related to the earlier shooting involving Taylor, who had ties to a gang and is the uncle of Gloria Hill.
Key evidence tied to Beasley includes a key chain found at the crime scene, identified by witnesses as belonging to him. During Beasley’s bond hearing, his bond was set at $500,000 for each murder charge, totaling $1 million. If released, he will be subjected to GPS monitoring and drug screenings.
The murders of Paris and Hill remained unsolved for over four years, with recent advancements in the investigation leading to the latest arrests. The case garnered renewed public attention earlier this year as authorities sought tips to further the investigation.
Initially, Beasley’s charges were reported as four due to a clerical error; this has since been amended to reflect two counts of murder. Wooten and George are expected to appear in court on the following Monday.
Background Information
The double homicide of Russell Paris and Gloria Hill drew significant public and media attention since its occurrence in December 2020. Over the years, investigators have worked diligently to solve the case, delving into potential connections with other criminal activities in the area. Law enforcement agencies have urged citizens to come forward with any information that might assist in resolving the case, showcasing the community’s engagement in aiding investigations.
Timeline of Events
- July 30, 2025: Khavell Mailik Williams arrested.
- October 20, 2025: Cornealious Lebron Beasley charged.
- December 1, 2020: Russell Paris and Gloria Hill shot.
Chart: Key Features of the Homicide Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Homicide | December 1, 2020 |
| Victims | Russell Paris (61), Gloria Hill (66) |
| Charged Individuals | Willie Lee Wooten Jr., Anthony Jermaine George, Cornealious Lebron Beasley, Khavell Mailik Williams |
| Current Status of Suspects | Held in Hamilton County Jail |
| Motive for Murders | Retaliation related to earlier shooting |
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on December 1, 2020?
On December 1, 2020, Russell Paris was shot outside his home in the 1700 block of South Kelly Street, while Gloria Hill was shot outside her home in the 1700 block of South Willow Street on the same evening.
Who are the suspects charged in the double homicide?
The suspects charged in connection with the double homicide are Willie Lee Wooten Jr. (32), Anthony Jermaine George (26), Cornealious Lebron Beasley (39), and Khavell Mailik Williams (30).
What is the current status of the suspects?
All four suspects face two counts of first-degree murder and are currently held in the Hamilton County Jail.
What is the motive behind the murders?
The motive behind the murders appears to involve retaliation related to an earlier shooting involving Timothy Taylor, who was connected to a gang and related to Jaylon Hill, Gloria Hill’s grandson.
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Additional Resources
- Local 3 News
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- News Channel 9
- Google Search: Chattanooga homicide 2020
- Times Free Press
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga homicide double murder
- WDEF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Times Free Press
- Google News: Chattanooga homicide arrests
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
