Tracy Freeman

Tracy Lebron Freeman, a 51-year-old Black man, was a father, brother, and friend who enjoyed life and his family. He was especially close to his mother and his two sons, Tracy Jr. and TraShun, whom he loved with all his heart. His death came just a few months after the passing of his mother, Sandra.

On the morning of Monday, June 7, 2021, around 7:13 a.m., Chattanooga Police responded to a call about shots fired on the 1200 block of Peeples Street. At a homeless camp in the area, officers found Tracy Freeman deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. Investigators learned that he may have been involved in a verbal altercation with another person shortly before he was killed with a shotgun.

The Chattanooga Police Department’s investigation quickly led them to a suspect. Multiple witnesses at the scene identified the shooter by the nickname "Parlay." Police determined that "Parlay" was 26-year-old Derrick Harvey, who was described as homeless. After obtaining a search warrant for Harvey's tent, investigators discovered multiple gunshot shells. They also found a receipt from an Academy Sports store for the purchase of 12-gauge shells.

One day after the shooting, police arrested Derrick Harvey. He was charged with criminal homicide and being a felon in possession of a weapon during the commission of a felony. Harvey was taken into custody and booked into the Silverdale Detention Center.

As of the last public reports in June 2021, Harvey had been charged in Tracy Freeman's death and the case was proceeding through the legal system. Chattanooga Police have asked anyone with information regarding the incident to call 423-698-2525 or submit a tip through the CPD Mobile App.