Authorities are conducting a multiagency manhunt in Stewart County, Tennessee, for 44-year-old Craig Berry, a retired Special Forces veteran accused of shooting his wife and fleeing into nearby woods. Berry, charged with second-degree attempted murder, was photographed on a trail camera wearing camouflage and is considered armed and dangerous. Search efforts—now involving state and federal agencies—have expanded across rugged terrain along the Tennessee–Kentucky border. Officials urge residents to stay alert, secure property, and call 911 if they spot him.
Military-Trained Fugitive Sought After Wife Shot; Multiagency Manhunt Expands in Rural Tennessee
Military-trained fugitive accused of shooting wife eludes manhunt in rural woodlands
Federal and state law enforcement agencies are conducting a multiagency manhunt in rural Stewart County, Tennessee, for 44-year-old Craig Berry, a retired Special Forces veteran accused of shooting his wife early Sunday morning and fleeing into dense woods.
Craig Berry was last seen near River Trace Road, and authorities are conducting a "very detailed search" of the area from River Trace Road to Highway 79 to parts of Highway 232 this week, the sheriff's office said Monday.(Fox News)
What Happened
Deputies responded at about 1:30 a.m. to a residence near Old Paris Highway after reports that Berry shot his wife during a domestic dispute. Emergency personnel transported the woman to a hospital; authorities have not disclosed her condition. Before officers arrived, Berry fled on foot into nearby timberland, prompting a wide-ranging search across rugged terrain along the Tennessee–Kentucky border.
The Stewart County Sheriff's Office says Craig Berry was captured by a trail camera wearing camouflage clothing.
Search Details and Concerns
Authorities say Berry is wanted on a charge of second-degree attempted murder and should be considered armed and dangerous. Investigators believe he is carrying at least one handgun and may have additional ammunition. A trail camera image released by the sheriff’s office shows Berry wearing camouflage clothing.
Craig Berry, the sheriff's office said, is a retired special forces veteran and has extensive training in survival tactics. Officials added "he is an excellent swimmer and diver, and is in good physical shape."
- Search teams say Berry has extensive survival and combat training from his Special Forces background and is very familiar with the local terrain.
- K-9 units last tracked him near River Trace Road, though officials said they cannot confirm he remains in the immediate area.
- The search perimeter has expanded to include Gray’s Landing and corridors along Highways 232 and 79.
- Investigators believe Berry may lack a phone or electronic communication device, limiting tracking options, and have not ruled out possible outside assistance.
- Authorities describe him as physically fit and capable of negotiating difficult terrain and waterways; they believe he is a strong swimmer and diver.
Agencies Involved and Public Guidance
The operation involves the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office alongside the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Marshals Service. Law enforcement officials say they are shifting tactics from broad sweeps to more targeted searches based on leads.
Craig Berry is seen in an undated photo released by the Stewart County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Gray: "He is very familiar with the area."
Authorities are asking residents to remain vigilant: lock doors, report suspicious activity, and check private trail cameras for images. The public is warned not to approach Berry if seen and to call 911 immediately.
Fox News Digital has contacted the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office for additional information. The sheriff’s office said it currently has no information indicating Berry is no longer in the area.
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