STEWART COUNTY, Tenn. (WTVF) — Craig Berry, the armed fugitive accused of shooting his wife and sparking a dayslong manhunt in Stewart County, was found dead Wednesday from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities confirmed.
Stewart County Sheriff Frankie Gray said Berry’s body was found in a wooded area where deputies and U.S. Marshals had focused an extensive grid search. Berry had been on the run since last Thursday after authorities said he shot his wife and disappeared into nearby woods.
The sheriff said Berry’s body was found several miles from his home near the area where trail cameras last captured him entering the woods. Investigators believe Berry likely died the first night he fled.
Berry was found wearing dark camouflage-style clothing and carrying a single weapon along with a supply of ammunition. Sheriff Gray said early indications suggest Berry died from a single self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The body will be sent to the Medical Examiner for an official determination.
The discovery ends an intense multi-agency search that drew national attention because of Berry’s military background and survival training. Authorities previously described Berry as a retired Special Forces veteran with extensive experience in survival tactics.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals, and Stewart County Sheriff’s Office, had used helicopters, K-9 units, trail cameras, and grid searches during the operation.
Investigators said the case began last Thursday at a home on Old Paris Landing Road, where Berry was accused of assaulting his wife. Authorities said she managed to get into her car to escape when Berry allegedly came outside with a handgun and fired multiple shots as she drove away.
Investigators said 11 shell casings were recovered from the scene. Berry’s wife was struck but managed to continue driving away to get help. Authorities said she survived the shooting and is recovering.
Authorities said Berry then got into his truck and attempted to chase her before crashing the vehicle. Investigators believe Berry returned to the home to gather additional ammunition before fleeing into the woods.
Trail camera footage later captured Berry running into the wooded area Thursday night. Authorities said he had not been seen since.
Sheriff Gray said there is no indication anyone helped Berry while he was on the run.
This story was reported by Eric Pointer and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Eric Pointer and our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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