An intense manhunt for Craig Berry, a retired special forces soldier accused of shooting his wife during a domestic dispute, entered its fifth day Tuesday as authorities continue scouring a section of northern Tennessee near the Kentucky border.
Background
Berry has been on the run since the early morning hours of May 1, when Stewart County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a report that his wife had been shot during a domestic dispute at their residence. She was hospitalized following the shooting, and her condition remained unclear as of Tuesday. Stewart County, located along the Tennessee-Kentucky border approximately 75 miles northeast of Nashville, has become the focal point of one of the state's most intensive manhunts in recent memory.
The Investigation
Authorities say Berry fled into the surrounding woods following the alleged shooting and remains at large. The Stewart County Sheriff's Office describes Berry as having "extensive training in survival tactics" from his military service. "He is an excellent swimmer and diver, and is in good physical shape," the sheriff's office stated, adding that he is familiar with the rural terrain where he disappeared. A trail camera image captured on May 1 allegedly shows Berry wearing camouflage clothing, authorities said. The sheriff's office believes Berry is armed and carrying extra ammunition but does not think he has a phone—though investigators have not ruled out the possibility that he has received outside assistance since the alleged shooting.
The investigation has drawn significant federal resources. The Stewart County Sheriff's Office is working in coordination with the U.S. Marshals Service, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Tennessee Highway Patrol to locate Berry. Officials plan to conduct what they described as a "very detailed search" of an area on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake this week.
"Finding Berry could be a lengthy process," Stewart County Sheriff Frankie Gray told reporters, acknowledging the challenges posed by the suspect's military training and survival skills.
Key Takeaways
- Craig Berry, 54, is charged with attempted murder in connection with the shooting of his wife during a domestic dispute on May 1
- The retired special forces soldier fled into wooded areas near Stewart County, Tennessee, and remains at large after five days
- Authorities describe Berry as an excellent swimmer and diver with extensive survival training from his military service
- He was allegedly spotted on a trail camera wearing camouflage clothing on May 1—the same day of the shooting
- The manhunt involves federal and state agencies including the U.S. Marshals Service, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and Tennessee Highway Patrol
- Sheriff Frankie Gray has warned that locating Berry could be "a lengthy process" due to his training and familiarity with the terrain
What's Next
Authorities are expected to continue their intensive search operation around Kentucky Lake's eastern shore this week. The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a reward for information leading to Berry's capture. Anyone with information about his whereabouts has been urged to contact the Stewart County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement immediately. Court proceedings in the attempted murder case will likely be scheduled once Berry is apprehended.
Berry is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are urging the public not to approach him if spotted.