The Sequatchie County community is grappling with shock and sorrow after a violent chain of events on Monday left two men dead and raised urgent questions about what led to the deadly confrontation. Authorities have now identified 47-year-old Michael Huckabee as the victim of a homicide that preceded an officer-involved shooting later that same day. The case, marked by tragedy and confusion, continues to unfold as investigators work to piece together the full story.
According to the Sequatchie County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began at a residence on Dandy Road, where Huckabee was allegedly shot and killed by 41-year-old Johnny Queen. The two men were reportedly friends, making the circumstances of the killing especially devastating for those who knew them. Officials have not yet released details about what may have sparked the fatal encounter or whether any prior disputes were known to law enforcement.
After the shooting, deputies say Queen fled the scene, triggering an intense two-hour manhunt across the area. Multiple agencies joined the search, scouring roads, wooded areas, and nearby properties in an effort to locate the armed suspect. Residents in the community were urged to remain cautious during the search, adding to the tension as the situation rapidly developed.
When authorities eventually located Queen, the encounter turned deadly once again. According to the sheriff’s office, Queen aimed a firearm at deputies, prompting them to open fire. Queen was shot and killed at the scene. Officials have emphasized that the deputies acted in response to an immediate threat, but the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is expected to review the officer-involved shooting as part of standard procedure.
Sheriff Bill Phillips confirmed that the two deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave, which is customary while internal and external investigations are conducted. He noted that his office has also launched an internal affairs review to ensure all actions taken during the incident followed departmental policy and protocol. Phillips expressed his condolences to the families affected by the tragedy and acknowledged the emotional toll the incident has taken on the community and the responding officers.
As investigators continue their work, many questions remain unanswered. What led to the fatal shooting of Huckabee? Were there warning signs beforehand? And how will the findings of the internal and external investigations shape the next steps for the sheriff’s office? For now, residents of Sequatchie County are left mourning two lives lost and hoping for clarity in the days ahead.
