WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Warren County officials confirmed the discovery of three bodies in the northern part of the county.
Warren County District Attorney General Chris Stanford announced the deceased individuals were located in the Merry Oaks Road area northwest of McMinnville.
On Thursday, Nov. 21 the Warren County Sheriff's Office identified the deceased as William Piechocinski, Dana Ramsden and Otis Hawks, II.
The DA said there did not appear to be any immediate threat of harm to anyone in the community based on the currently available information.
The matter is in the preliminary investigation stages, per Stanford, meaning no further information will be released at this time.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) told News 2 special agents have joined the Warren County Sheriff's Office and investigators with the DA's office in relation to this discovery. The investigation remains "active and ongoing."
Further information may be released if and when it is deemed appropriate, according to the district attorney. Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny issued the following statement on the situation Thursday:
Investigators with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, District Attorney General’s office, Homeland Security, McMinnville Police Department, and my office, are continuing to work together regarding the investigation into the deaths of the three individuals found in a residence located on Merry Oaks Road, discovered yesterday morning. Currently, investigators are utilizing all investigative tools to follow leads in this case. More information will be released to the public at the appropriate time. As always, if you have any information that you believe might be helpful to law enforcement, please contact investigators with the Warren County Sheriff's Department at (931) 473-7863.
Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny
Later that same day, the Warren County Sheriff's Office said they received information suggesting that suspects wanted in connection with this case were in DeKalb County. Investigators found Jessica Root and took her into custody without incident. Root was charged with three counts of criminal homicide and is being held without bond in the Warren County jail.
Hannah Rose was also identified as a suspect, the sheriff's office added, though she attempted to flee law enforcement.
"In the process of attempting to evade law enforcement, a Homeland Security agent was struck by the fleeing vehicle," the Warren County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post. "At this time, shots were fired, but no person was injured."
The DeKalb County Sheriff's later confirmed that Chris Stanford, the Warren County District Attorney, fired shots at Rose's vehicle. However, neither the vehicle nor the suspects inside were hit.
Within minutes of the incident, Sheriff Patrick Ray said a 911 call alert was issued to warn the public. The alert led multiple schools in the area to "lock down."
Rose was charged with aggravated assault and felony evading arrest. Another suspect, Caleb Brookins, was also charged with three counts of criminal homicide. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is investigating a shooting related to Brookins' apprehension.