Tyler Miller, 35, of Ooltewah, Tennessee, was found dead in a room at the Aloft Hotel near Hamilton Place in Chattanooga on January 13, 2026. He had suffered a gunshot wound to the head and, according to investigators, had been dead for several hours when officers arrived. His wallet, cell phone, and keys were missing, and no firearm or spent shell casings were located in the room.

Hotel records and surveillance footage show 42-year-old Rachel Perry-Mellen, also known as Rachel Perry, rented the room and entered alone around 6 p.m. on January 12, 2026. Miller arrived later, placed his phone and keys in his pockets, knocked, and went inside. Surveillance captures Perry leaving alone just minutes later, wearing different shoes, without her outer jacket, carrying a large handbag, and appearing nervous as she exited the hotel and drove off in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Police executed a search warrant at Perry’s home the following day and detained her. Officers recovered the Jeep and multiple firearms at the residence. Perry was arrested and initially charged with second-degree murder, theft, tampering with evidence, and unlawful possession of a firearm; investigators say she offered no explanation for the shooting or taking Miller’s belongings.

Did anyone see Tyler or his vehicle at the Aloft on the evening of January 12 who hasn’t spoken to investigators?