Suspect in death in custody

Police in Knoxville, Tenn., confirmed Tuesday they have a suspect in custody in the abduction and slaying of a former Waterloo High School homecoming queen.

Reports indicate the suspect is one of two men believed to be illegal immigrants from Mexico who have been in custody since the day Hampton was reported missing.

Jennifer Lee Hampton's body was found Saturday in Melton Hill Lake in Knoxville, less than 10 miles from the Days Inn where she was staying. Hampton, 21, was in Knoxville with coworkers to help train employees who were preparing to open a Mama Blue's restaurant.

Hampton, a server at Mama Blue's restaurant in Florence, was reported missing Sept. 20.

"A suspect in the case is currently being held without bond on unrelated charges," Knoxville police spokesman Darrell DeBusk said.

He said police expect to charge the man in connection with Hampton's death, possibly as early as today.

"We are currently awaiting results of forensic tests that are being performed on evidence that was recovered during the investigation," DeBusk said. "We are working closely with the district attorney's office and they are ready to move forward as soon as we have results."

DeBusk said police are still not in a position to release the cause of death. He declined comment when asked if Hampton was killed before her body was dumped into the lake.

DeBusk confirmed that the suspect is one of two men who were taken into custody at the motel in west Knoxville on the morning when Hampton was reported missing. The men were arrested on forgery charges, police said. They both worked at the motel where Hampton was staying.

According to a Knoxville News-Sentinel report, the men gave the names of Rogelio Melchor, 38, and Valentino Miranda, 19, but police say neither the names nor their addresses have been verified.

"We think one was involved for sure, but we have not determined if both were," DeBusk said.

He said officials with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation have provided tremendous help in the case and have "jumped through hoops to make this a priority."

Eddie Daniel, a Knoxville attorney serving as a spokesman for Hampton's family, said the family is thankful about news that there's a suspect, but nothing will replace their relative.

"The family is grieving and dealing with what still has to come with the burial of Jenny," Daniel said. They were making arrangements today to return to Alabama.

Family members are very grateful for the work of the police department and other authorities in the case, Daniel said.

Hampton's visitation is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home, Central Heights, their attorney said. The graveside service will be a private ceremony.

Jim Lewis, who manages the Florence and Decatur Mama Blue's, said both restaurants will close for a time to allow employees to attend services.

Mama Blue's employees in Florence have made a memorial in the restaurant's lobby in honor of Hampton. They have set up jars at the restaurant for donations to help the family.

"The employees wanted to do this for Jennifer," Lewis said. "They did a really good job on it. That's their way of saying they love her."

In addition, a trust fund has been set up at CB&S bank for anyone who wants to contribute to the family.

Lewis was pleased to hear of the arrest.

"I'm glad for the family," Lewis said. "Nothing's going to replace their grief and their loss, but maybe by having these guys charged, it'll bring some type of closure."

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Knoxville police at (865) 215-7212.

Bernie Delinski can be reached at 740-5739 or bernie.delinski@TimesDaily.com.