December 16, 2022

Independence Police Arrest Tommy Joe Powell

For Murder of Emily Harris

INDEPENDENCE- On September 17, 2022, Independence Police responded to 4653 Beechgrove Drive to conduct a well being check on Emily Harris at the request of her employer. Officers located Harris, 32, deceased in a bedroom of the residence. Preliminary findings indicate Harris died from a gunshot wound to the head. Tommy Joe Powell, 55, was taken into custody at the residence, which he shared with Harris, and transported to the Independence Police Department for questioning. Independence Police Detective Adam Strine charged Powell with a single count of Murder - Domestic Violence, carrying a possible penalty of 20 to 50 years or Life in Prison.

Powell was uninjured but required medical attention for dehydration, so he was transported to a local hospital where he remains under police guard. When released from the hospital, Powell will be booked into the Kenton County Detention Center. The below booking photo of Powell is from a prior arrest in January 2022.

The investigation into the timing and circumstances of Harris's murder remain under investigation. Anyone with information about the murder should contact Detective Adam Strine of the Independence Police Criminal Investigations Division at 859-363-2915.

All criminal defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

For additional information contact:

Commonwealth's Attorney Rob Sanders

rsanders@prosecutors.ky.gov

(859) 292-6580