Four people are in custody after police said they kidnapped and assaulted a man on Monday. Police said the victim was made to strip and was cut and burned.
Chattanooga Police responded at 7:32 a.m. to 3300 East 36th St. The victim, Shane Keller, 24, went to this residence when the occupants assaulted him, robbed him, and bound his hands and feet.
Keller’s sister, Summer Neighbors, 31, was contacted by the suspects and was threatened that, for his release, she should bring money or the drugs that he allegedly owed the group.
She was told he would be killed if she did not comply.
Ms. Neighbors contacted the Chattanooga Police Department, who responded to 3300 E 36th Street and found the victim with numerous non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspects were also taken into custody and identified as Eric Clifton Slaughter, 25, Ginger Lee Davis, 48, Barbara Diane Thomas, 53, and Dosher Felts, 22.
Slaughter and Felts have been charged with criminal conspiracy, especially aggravated kidnapping, extortion, aggravated robbery, and aggravated assault. Ms. Davis has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping, extortion, and criminal conspiracy. Ms. Thomas has been charged with especially aggravated kidnapping, extortion, criminal conspiracy, and aggravated robbery.
Keller was found near the residence. He said he had gone there to sell the occupants $150 worth of meth.
He said once he got inside he was attacked by "a big guy." He was identified as Bennet Clarence Laymon. Laymon was driving away from the scene when police arrived. Police said they initially did not believe that Laymon was involved, so he was released.
Keller said "Eric" also joined in the attack with Laymon. He said the group took all his clothes off, cut him about the face and neck with a knife, stole his $340 worth of jewelry, tried to cut his fingers off with scissors, and heated a knife blade and burned his neck with it.
He said he was blindfolded and his hands and feet were bound.
Keller said his sister was then called and told he would be killed if she did not bring $300.
He said at one point he was left in a bedroom while "Fezz" (Felts) sat at the door with a knife. He said at one point he shifted his weight, and Felts thought he was trying to get up and came at him with the knife.
Keller said throughout the incident "a big ugly lady" (Ms. Thomas) and "Ginger" (Ms. Davis) gave orders to Eric Slaughter and Laymon, which they carried out.
The phone used to call the sister belonged to Ms. Thomas, it was stated.
The residence belongs to Ms. Davis.
Keller said Ms. Thomas went through his pockets seeking valuables.