Body found in Newnan identified as missing 17-year-old
A body discovered Monday floating face down in a Newnan creek has been identified as a 17-year-old missing since October.
Investigators are treating Blake Tyler Chappell's death as a homicide, Newnan Police Deputy Chief Rodney Riggs told the AJC.
An autopsy revealed Chappell died from a gunshot wound, according to the chief. He was found wearing only his underwear and was identified through a tattoo and a piece of jewelry found on his body. It's unclear how long his body had been in the creek.
Chappell, of Senoia, was last seen leaving a friend's house in the Olmstead subdivision sometime around 4 a.m. on Oct. 16, Riggs said. The East Coweta High School student had attended a homecoming dance the night before, police say, though the dress pants, tie and jacket he wore were nowhere to be found.
Chappell was heading to another friend's house on Highwoods Parkway when he disappeared.
"We do not have a suspect," said Riggs, adding police do not believe drugs or gang activity were factors in the fatal shooting.
About the Author
A native Atlantan, Boone joined the AJC staff in 2007. He quickly carved out a niche covering crime stories, assuming the public safety beat in 2014. He's covered some of the biggest trials this decade, from Hemy Neuman to Ross Harris to Chip Olsen, the latter of which was featured on Season 7 of the AJC's award-winning "Breakdown" podcast.
