14-year-old Chattanooga homicide victim identified

A 14-year-old girl who was found slain on the front porch of a Chattanooga residence has been identified as Chelsea Smith Hayes.

Carlos Juan Harrison, 18, has been charged with criminal homicide and tampering with evidence. Harrison lives at the residence located in the 3000 block of 12th Avenue where Hayes was found.

Hayes had bruising on both sides of her neck and dried blood from her nose and mouth, according to the arrest report. A report at the medical examiner’s office is still pending.

Harrison, who remains in custody, is scheduled to appear before Hamilton County Court Judge Christine Mahn Sell on Tuesday.

Hayes’ death marks the seventh homicide in the city of Chattanooga this year. There were 10 homicides the same time last year.