The last person to be killed in Chattanooga during 2016 was stabbed twice in the torso, according to an initial report from the Hamilton County Medical Examiner's Office.
Marcus Allen, 40, was stabbed once in the center of his chest and once in his right side, according to the report. The Chattanooga man was found dead inside an apartment in East Lake Courts on Dec. 14.
The mother of his child, Denisha Simmons, 34, was taken into custody for questioning but has not been charged in Allen's death. She was, however, arrested that day on an open warrant for failure to appear.
She is being held without bond in the Hamilton County Jail. Police said Wednesday that the investigation into Allen's death is active and ongoing, and declined to say whether police are pursuing charges against Simmons.
Before he died, Allen was twice charged with domestic assault for allegedly attacking Simmons, records show, once in April and once in August.
In April, officers found Simmons at the home with obvious injuries - a large knot above her right eye, a swollen eye, a knot above her left temple and scratches on her face and neck, records show. She told police that she and Allen were arguing about money when Allen began to choke and punch her.
In August, police were called to the home on reports of a fight and again found Simmons with clear injuries. This time, she had a swollen face and was bleeding from her lip and mouth. She and an 11-year-old child both told police Allen began punching Simmons as the pair fought about Allen talking to other women.
Allen was the 32nd person to be killed in Chattanooga during 2016, which is the highest number of homicides in the city since at least 2001. The majority of the year's homicide victims were shot to death; three people, including Allen, were stabbed.
Contact staff writer Shelly Bradbury at 423-757-6525 or sbradbury@timesfreepress.com with tips or story ideas. Follow @ShellyBradbury.