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.


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