Three Killed In Cookeville Wreck, Suspect Facing Vehicular Homicide

According to 13th Judicial District Attorney Bryant Dunaway, three people were killed in a Cookeville accident Tuesday morning.

Cookeville Police were notified at 7:41 AM that Tennessee Highway Patrol were pursuing 25-year old suspect Michael Don Shepherd. Shepherd led troopers into Cookeville, travelling westbound on Interstate Drive at a high-rate of speed, approaching the intersection with South Willow Avenue.

At that time, the 24- year old victim Amanda Chatman was travelling northbound on South Willow Avenue. Shepherd’s vehicle entered the intersection and struck the passenger side of Chatman’s vehicle.

Amanda Chatman and her two children, ages three and four all died at the scene of the wreck.

Michael Don Shepherd was arrested and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and evading arrest. Shepherd was transported to the Putnam County Jail and booked.

This crash remains under investigation by the Cookeville Police Department with assistance from the Office of the District Attorney General. Cookeville Police are asking for anyone who witnessed the crash but have not spoken with police to call the Criminal Investigation Division.

That number is 931-520-5372 or the main station at 931-526-2125.