Manhunt Ends: Special Forces Veteran Craig Berry Found Dead Following Tennessee Domestic Shooting

DOVER, TN — A massive search operation involving federal and local authorities concluded Wednesday after the body of a retired Special Forces veteran was discovered in a wooded area of Stewart County. Craig Berry, 53, had been the subject of an intense manhunt since late April after he was accused of brutally attacking and shooting his wife.

The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that preliminary evidence indicates Berry died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His body was found approximately a quarter-mile from his in-laws’ residence and several miles from his own home.

The Search and Discovery

According to Sheriff Frankie Gray, investigators believe Berry likely died early on May 1, shortly after fleeing his home. This timeline explains why heat detection planes utilized on May 2 were unable to locate him; by that time, his body temperature would have dropped below the threshold required for infrared detection.

Berry was found with a single firearm and a supply of ammunition. While he was discovered near the home of his in-laws, Sheriff Gray noted there was no indication that he intended to harm them. The body has been sent to the medical examiner for an official autopsy and determination of death.

Details of the Violent Encounter

The search began on the night of April 30 following a 911 call from Berry’s wife. According to arrest warrant affidavits, Berry allegedly beat and attempted to strangle his wife at their Tennessee home. When she managed to escape and reach her vehicle, Berry reportedly fired multiple shots, striking her in the neck as she drove away.

Despite the serious injury, the victim was able to reach safety. Sheriff Gray confirmed that she has since been released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

A Highly Trained Fugitive

The manhunt was complicated by Berry’s extensive military background. A retired Sergeant First Class, Berry served as an infantryman and a Special Forces medical sergeant from 1992 to 2016. His service included four combat deployments to Iraq.

Authorities warned the public during the search that Berry was a highly skilled survivalist, an excellent swimmer, and a diver. Because of his training, officials had been prepared to expand the search to the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area before his body was located on Wednesday.

Prior to the discovery of his body, Berry faced multiple charges, including:

• Second-degree attempted murder

• Domestic assault

• Aggravated assault

• Leaving the scene of an accident

The case remains under investigation by the Stewart County Sheriff's Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

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