Chattanooga police: Fatal shooting appears to be murder-suicide

Two killed in Sunday morning shooting at Hixson Pike gas station

Police investigate a shooting at the Sunrise Market gas station located in the 6400 block of Hixson Pike on Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Hixson, Tenn. (Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter)
Police investigate a shooting at the Sunrise Market gas station located in the 6400 block of Hixson Pike on Sunday, May 20, 2018, in Hixson, Tenn. (Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter)

Two people were killed Sunday morning in a shooting at the Shell gas station in the 6400 block of Hixson Pike shortly after 10 a.m., according to Chattanooga police.

Police found Kimberly Phillips, 48, lying in the parking lot. She died from an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers then found Frederick Tragesser, 47, seated in a vehicle in the same parking lot, suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was taken to a local hospital where he died.

Investigators determined Tragesser shot Phillips and then shot himself. They were divorced from each other, according to police.

By Sunday evening, friends and coworkers of Phillips began posting their shock and heartbreak on social media.

"The entire Morning Pointe Organization is shocked and saddened by the murder of Kimberly," Greg Vital, president and CEO of Morning Pointe, wrote in a public comment on Facebook. "She was a caring associate and will be greatly missed by both residents and fellow associates."

Morning Pointe is a senior living community. It wasn't immediately clear which Morning Pointe location Phillips worked for.

Alisha Landes posted publicly to Facebook saying she was shaken to her core at learning the news of Phillips' death.

"Today, I lost one of the most caring, loving caregivers I have ever had on my team," she wrote. "She loved her residents and took their care very seriously. She knew the Lord and I know she is in Heaven right now."

Janet Black also commented, saying Phillips was "an angel sent from God" to care for others.

"I am heartbroken over this," she wrote, adding she thanked God for Phillips, as she was a caregiver for Black's loved one.

"What a blessing heaven has received one of their angels back to heaven today," Black wrote.

The investigation into the murder-suicide is ongoing, Chattanooga police said. More information will be released when available.

Police ask anyone with information about the deaths to call 423-698-2525 or submit a tip through the Chattanooga PD Mobile app.

Contact Rosana Hughes at rhughes@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6327.

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