THP Criminal Investigation Division Case Ends with a First Degree Indictment in Decatur County

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) on Friday announced the arrest of a Henderson, Tenn. man who was indicted for first degree murder following an investigation by the patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division. Chad E. Henry, 38, was arrested on May 20 in Bridgeport, W. Va. by the West Virginia State Police. District Attorney Matt Stowe of the 24th Judicial District is seeking extradition back to Tennessee where Henry will also face charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, and various traffic related offenses.

On December 25, 2014, the THP was called to the intersection of Highway 100 and Highway 69 in Decatur County to investigate a motor vehicle crash involving a passenger who reportedly had “jumped” out of the vehicle.

Upon arrival, troopers made contact with the driver, identified as Chad Henry. His wife, Kelly Henry, 45, of Holbrook, Penn., was injured and unresponsive at the scene. Troopers determined the evidence at the scene did not match statements given by Chad Henry and requested assistance with the investigation from THP’s Critical Incident Response (CIRT) Team 4 and THP’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID).

Trooper processed the scene and notified District Attorney Stowe of the initial assessment. THP advised that the scene was not consistent with a motor vehicle crash, but rather a staged incident to hide a crime that had been committed. Evidence recovered inside the vehicle indicated a struggle had allegedly taken place between Chad and Kelly Henry. District Attorney Stowe directed that THP’s CID conduct a criminal investigation regarding the event.

Kelly Henry died eight days later at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville from the injuries she had sustained.

On May 19, after a five month investigation conducted by THP-CID, a Decatur County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Chad E. Henry.

Henry is currently being held in the Harrison County Jail in Bridgeport, W.Va. awaiting extradition.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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