Posted by the Cookeville Police Department:

On January 8, 2026, the Putnam County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Tyler Stamps (52) for Sale and Delivery of a Schedule II Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, in violation of TCA 39-17-417. As amended, this offense is punishable pursuant to TCA 39-13-210 (Second Degree Murder).

This investigation began on March 16, 2025, when Cookeville Police officers and detectives responded to 255 Denton Avenue for a death investigation. The victim, Anthony Richardson, was located deceased at the residence.

An autopsy determined the cause of death to be acute fentanyl toxicity. During the investigation, detectives conducted a forensic examination of the victim and suspect’s cellular telephones, which revealed text message communications indicating the delivery of illicit substances to the victim by Stamps shortly before his death.

On January 9, 2026, Stamps was arrested and booked into the Putnam County Jail, where he was given a $1,000,000 bond.