Chattanooga, July 30, 2025
News Summary
LaJeffrey Sparks has been arrested in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on charges of first degree murder. Sparks was wanted for several months and was placed on the TBI’s Most Wanted list after a shooting incident in October. The police emphasize the need for community involvement in reporting such crimes.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – LaJeffrey Sparks Arrested for First Degree Murder
LaJeffrey Sparks, a wanted man in connection with a first degree murder charge, has been arrested in Chattanooga, Tennessee. His apprehension comes after he had been listed on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) Most Wanted list for several months.
The arrest took place on Tuesday, following a coordinated effort by law enforcement agencies. Sparks was wanted by the Chattanooga Police Department (CPD) on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a felony, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
The charges against Sparks are linked to a shooting incident that occurred in October 2024 on Fagan Street. During this tragic event, a 42-year-old man was shot while standing in his front yard. After suffering life-threatening injuries, the victim later died in the hospital. The police responded to the scene but found that Sparks had already fled prior to their arrival.
LaJeffrey Sparks was officially placed on the TBI’s Most Wanted list on November 18, 2024. The TBI made a public appeal on social media for any information leading to his arrest, subsequently offering a reward of up to $7,500. This initiative aimed to encourage citizens to come forward with any tips that could assist law enforcement in locating Sparks.
As of now, the name of the victim has not been publicly released in earlier reports. The CPD has been actively seeking leads in this case and encourages anyone with information to contact them directly through the Homicide Tipline at 423-643-5100. Additionally, the TBI can be reached at 1-800-TBI-FIND for tips relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Background Context
Gun violence remains a significant concern in many communities, including Chattanooga. Incidents like the one involving Sparks highlight the pressing issues of public safety and the importance of community involvement in providing information to law enforcement. The collaboration between the TBI and local police in addressing this case exemplifies ongoing efforts to combat crime effectively.
The efforts by the TBI to utilize social media for locating fugitive suspects reflect modern law enforcement strategies aimed at engaging the public. They have witnessed increased success rates when local residents actively participate by sharing information that could lead to arrests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is LaJeffrey Sparks?
LaJeffrey Sparks is a man from Chattanooga, Tennessee who was arrested for first degree murder. He was placed on the TBI’s Most Wanted list for several months prior to his arrest.
What was Sparks charged with?
Sparks was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a felony, and unlawful possession of a weapon.
When did the shooting incident occur?
The shooting incident involving LaJeffrey Sparks occurred in October 2024 on Fagan Street, resulting in the death of a 42-year-old man.
How can people help with information on the case?
Anyone with information related to the case can contact the CPD’s Homicide Tipline at 423-643-5100 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
Summary Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arrested Person | LaJeffrey Sparks |
| Charges | First-degree murder, possession of a firearm during a felony, unlawful possession of a weapon |
| Incident Date | October 2024 |
| Location of Incident | Fagan Street, Chattanooga |
| Victim’s Status | Deceased |
| TBI Most Wanted List Addition | November 18, 2024 |
| Reward Offered | Up to $7,500 |
| Contact for Tips | Chattanooga Police Department: 423-643-5100, TBI: 1-800-TBI-FIND |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Residents Push for Permit-Only Parking Near Battle Academy
Hamilton County Woman Sentenced to 18 Years for Drug-Related Death
Chattanooga Police Arrest Teen in Connection with Shooting
Two Shooting Incidents in Chattanooga Lead to Arrests
Chattanooga Firefighters Rescue Guests from Smoke-Filled Elevator
Chattanooga Police Shoot and Kill Man in Parking Lot Incident
Charges Against Chattanooga Evangelist Dismissed
Chattanooga Incident Leaves Suspect Hospitalized
Chattanooga Hosts a Variety of Events This Weekend
Chattanooga Man Charged with Second Degree Murder
Additional Resources
- NewsChannel 9: LaJeffrey Sparks Arrested
- Wikipedia: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
- Times Free Press: TBI Most Wanted List
- Google Search: LaJeffrey Sparks
- Local 3 News: Murder Suspect Arrested
- Google Scholar: Gun violence in Chattanooga
- Valdosta Today: GBI Arrests Chattanooga Man
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- WDEF: Chattanooga Man Arrested
- Google News: Chattanooga police news
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.
