Unsolved Mystery: The Tragic Deaths of Hubert Johnson and Murel Marie Still Haunt Knoxville After 55 Years

Unsolved Mystery: The Tragic Deaths of Hubert Johnson and Murel Marie

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Heart-Wrenching Case from 1969

It’s hard to believe, but more than 55 years ago, two men tragically lost their lives in Knoxville, and the case still haunts the community. On September 13, 1969, Hubert Johnson, 45, from Strawberry Plains, and 61-year-old Murel Marie were found dead inside a burned-out vehicle at Mead’s Quarry, which is part of Ijams Nature Center today. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain shrouded in mystery.

Saw Them Last at Buch’s Tavern

The night before the grim discovery, the last known sighting of Johnson and Marie was at Buch’s Tavern on North Gay Street. According to reports, they were last seen around 11:30 p.m. that night, leaving the bar and heading towards North Gay Café. What happened in the short span before their bodies were found, nearly four miles away, is anyone’s guess.

Unraveling Clues from the Scene

Following the discovery of the charred vehicle, investigators wasted no time in piecing together the clues. Johnson was initially identified through the vehicle’s registration and dental records provided by his wife. Interestingly, a Fairfax watch found on the car floorboard didn’t belong to him, leading investigators to pursue its ownership. This ultimately pointed them to Marie.

Autopsy Results Raise More Questions

Because of the condition of the remains, autopsies were not performed as would typically be expected. However, it was ruled that Marie had died from a gunshot wound. As for Johnson, unfortunately, details regarding his cause of death remain unresolved and continue to mystify investigators.

Community Still Seeking Answers

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves still grappling with the unanswered questions surrounding this case. Recently, there was a glimmer of hope as community interest continues to revive the investigation. Knoxville Police Department confirms that, as of now, there are no new developments or updates in the case.

How You Can Help

This case cannot simply be forgotten! If you have even the smallest piece of information that could potentially aid in unraveling this mystery, you’re encouraged to step forward and help. There are several ways to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers. You can reach out by calling 865-215-7165 or submitting a tip online. They have a free mobile app called P3 Tips, and you can also connect through their Facebook page. Remember, tipsters have the option to remain completely anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward!

A Lingering Tragedy

It’s hard to think that families and friends of Johnson and Marie have been without closure for over five decades. Their tragic story is a reminder that some questions remain unanswered, and some mysteries may never fade away. As Knoxville reflects on this cold case, there’s hope that one day, justice will finally be served.

If you have any thoughts or memories regarding this case that could help, don’t hesitate to share! Every little detail matters in bringing closure to a story that’s been waiting to be told.