City Council To Discuss Senior Tax Freeze Tuesday. See Our Legal Notices.

Bettis And Girlfriend Charged With Murder Of Man Whose Body Was Found In River

  • Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Thomas Brian Bettis
Thomas Brian Bettis

Two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a man whose body was discovered floating in the Sequatchie River last Thursday.

Thomas Brian Bettis has been charged in the slaying of 56-year-old Clifford M. Carden Jr.

Later Tuesday, Bettis' girlfriend, 35-year-old Susan Lynette Baker of Graysville, Tn., was also charged. The victim is also from Graysville.

The victim's burned 1996 Chevrolet Monte Carlo was found about 10 miles from where the body was spotted by an individual who was collecting cans.

The victim leaves behind his wife, Cindy Carden; sons, Chris (Marlene) Burgess, Bobby (Lakesha) Tapley; daughters, Sandra Carden and Dawn (John) Wilson; father and mother-in-law, Clifford M. (Norma) Cardens Sr.; mother and father-in-law, Patricia (Bobby) Davis, as well as seven grandsons.

Funeral services for Mr. Carden were held on Monday at Williamson & Sons Funeral Home, Soddy Daisy. Interment was in Brayton Cemetery.


Breaking News
Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 7/19/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) ALLISON,JACOB ... more

Driver Robert L. Lynn, 35, Dies As Vehicle Plunges Into Tennessee River At Highway 58
Driver Robert L. Lynn, 35, Dies As Vehicle Plunges Into Tennessee River At Highway 58
  • 7/18/2025

Sheriff deputies responded to the 6800 block of Highway 58 near Wolftever Bridge for the report of a vehicle crash with entrapment shortly after noon on Friday. Upon arrival, deputies located ... more

Man With Felony Record Found With Gun In Car That Almost Hit Officer Gets 37-Month Federal Sentence
  • 7/18/2025

A man with a felony record who almost struck a police officer while driving on June 23, 2024, has been sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison. Joseph Watkins appeared before Judge ... more