photo by Terrance Lewis
Chattanooga Police have arrested 22-year-old Terrence Lewis in the murder of 20-year-old UTC student Evan Derry on N. Bishop Drive.
In the incident on Dec. 28, police found a wrecked black Chevy Tahoe that was turned sideways in the road.
The victim, who is from Franklin, Tn., was seated in the driver's seat, suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was unresponsive and later died after being taken to Erlanger Hospital.
Police said they learned that Baxter McCurry was a passenger in the Tahoe. Police were told they had arrived to meet Lewis.
Police said, "The plan was that McCurry was to bring 16 pounds of marijuana and Lewis was going to sell it to his uncle to take care of a debt that he owed Derry."
McCurry said he was in the front passenger seat and Derry in the driver's seat. He said Lewis got into the rear passenger seat of the Tahoe, but then said he forgot something in his vehicle. He asked Derry to back next to his car so he could get what he needed.
When the Tahoe was next to the Lewis vehicle, McCurry said Lewis pulled out a can of OC spray and sprayed him and Derry.
McCurry said he jumped out of the vehicle and saw three black males with guns. He said he then began running.
He said he heard several shots while he was running.
Police said Derry tried to flee in his vehicle but was only able to get a short distance until he hit a tree on the right side of the road.
Police said a witness saw a black male shoot several times at the Tahoe while it was fleeing. The shooter then got into a car matching the description of Lewis' Chrysler 200.
The witness also said Lewis drove to the Tahoe, got out, and went to the driver's side.
McCurry said there was 16 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. Police searched the vehicle and found that a majority of the marijuana was missing.
Lewis told police he did correspond with McCurry via text messages. He said he facilitated the marijuana transaction.
Police said he also placed himself in the vehicle directly behind Derry and admitted he sprayed Derry and McCurry with mace. Police said Lewis also admitted his vehicle was at the scene.
Lewis is charged with criminal homicide and especially aggravated robbery and is in custody at the Hamilton County Jail.
Derry was a 2015 graduate of Battle Ground Academy. His family said, "The things he lived for were his friendships and his family. Evan loved the outdoors and considered the mountains of Chattanooga his sanctuary. He cared deeply for animals. Kayaking, fishing, hiking, and family boating were how Evan loved to spend his time. His passion for physical fitness was instilled in him by his dad. Evan was a true creative and deep thinker – 'outside the box' was his thing."
The funeral for Evan Derry will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at St. Philip Catholic Church, 113 Second Avenue South, Franklin, Tn.
Evan Derry
photo by