Tennessee Bureau of Investigation raises reward for suspect in cornfield killing

David Jenkins

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has increased the reward for information leading to the arrest of a fugitive wanted in the killing of a Franklin County man.

David Gordon Jenkins, 46, the fourth and final fugitive sought in the death of Corey Nathaniel Matthews is believed to be in the Tennessee-Southern Kentucky area, TBI spokeswoman Kristin Helm said.

"We are concentrating our efforts here," she said.

Authorities in New York, however, continue to search for Jenkins in Steuben County.

"We haven't ruled it out," Helms said. "They're still looking, but ... we haven't gotten any solid, viable information that he has been seen in New York. We were just simply sending leads up there because he previously lived there."

Helms said many of the leads the TBI has received have been generated by law enforcement. The agency has increased the reward to $2,500 to encourage anyone with information to step forward.

"We believe that there's someone out there who may have information as to where he is," she said. "It only takes one phone call to authorities to help catch him."

Chris Guess, spokesman for the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, said authorities there "continue to work to locate him" along with TBI.

Guess said the U.S. Marshals Service also is involved with a fugitive apprehension task force.

Jenkins' last known address is 3554 Asbury Road in Manchester. He is described as white, with brown hair and eyes. He is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds. He has a number of tattoos covering his arms, left shoulder, chest, back and thighs.

Anyone with information on Jenkins' whereabouts is asked to call 1-800-824-3463.

Authorities said he is considered armed and dangerous and should be approached with caution.

Contact staff writer Lindsay Burkholder at lburkholder@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592.