The Knox County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man for the murder of 32-year-old Adam Davis Thursday night. 32-year-old Nicholas Scates was taken into custody in the Northshore/Rocky Hill area by KCSO’s Narcotics, Special Investigations, and Major Crimes Units. Scates initially resisted arrest and fled on foot, but was quickly apprehended.

An investigation conducted by KCSO’s Major Crimes Unit led to the identification of Scates as the person responsible for the murder and mutilation of Davis that occurred on December 30, 2016. Davis’ body was discovered by a friend at his home on Highland View Drive around 3:00 a.m. on December 31st. He suffered from multiple gunshot wounds.

Scates is being held in the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility and will be charged with first degree murder. Scates has a criminal history in Knox County that includes aggravated assault; manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession off a schedule II controlled substance; evading arrest; possession of drug paraphernalia; resisting; simple possession/casual exchange; and theft.
Scates’ girlfriend, 21-year-old Sascha Kirkpatrick was also taken into custody for an outstanding warrant out of Georgia.