Newnan police in Georgia are hoping new information will help crack the cold case of a Georgia teen found shot in the head over 10 years ago.
According to the Newnan Police Department, 17-year-old Blake Chappell, who vanished on October 16, 2011, was found murdered two months later. In a video statement last week, the Newnan Police Department directly addressed an anonymous source who sent two letters containing investigation details over the years.
Police believe that the same person wrote both letters and could be the key to solving the case.
“In 2011, we received a letter with an anonymous tip,” Detective Marc Gonzalez with Newnan Police said. “Several years later, we received a second letter. It is our belief that these letters were written by the same person.”
On the night of his disappearance, Chappell attended a homecoming dance at East Coweta High School. He was seen that night walking in the Summergrove subdivision in Newnan. Police found his body on December 18, 2011. An autopsy confirmed he was shot in the head.
Investigators said Chappell was found face-down in a neighborhood creek, wearing only his underwear, the Newnan Times-Herald reports. Chappell’s mother, Melissa, said she believes the tipster will ultimately do the right thing and come forward.
“I have faith that this person (or) persons will finally do the right thing and come forward so Blake will get the justice he deserves,” she told the Herald.
Anyone with information about the case should contact NPD at 770-254-2355, email unsolvedhomicide@newnanga.gov, or contact Crime Stoppers of Greater Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
“Please contact us again,” Gonzales added, referring to the anonymous letter tipster. “We look forward to examining the information you provide to us.”
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[Feature Photo: Blake Chappell/Family Handout]
