Arrest Made in 2011 Murder of Blake Chappell

The Newnan Police Department announced Friday that an arrest has been made in the 2011 murder of Blake Tyler Chappell, bringing a major development in a case that has weighed heavily on the community for nearly 14 years.

Chappell, 17, was reported missing on October 16, 2011, after leaving his girlfriend’s home near Mary Freeman Road in Newnan to walk back to a friend’s house in the Summergrove neighborhood. Two months later, on December 19, 2011, his body was discovered, and the case shifted from a missing person investigation to a homicide.

After years without answers, investigators recently identified Scotty Elliot Smith as a person of interest. During the investigation into this new lead, the NPD detectives corroborated facts of the case, as related to Smith. During multiple interviews, Smith confessed to killing Chappell. He was arrested Friday and remains in custody at the Coweta County Jail.

Smith faces charges of felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, concealing the death of another, and tampering with evidence.

“This arrest is the result of countless hours of dedication by our Criminal Investigation Division and the support of the Coweta County District Attorney’s office,” said Newnan Police Chief Brent Blankenship in a statement. He added that the trust and patience of the community had been vital throughout the investigation.

The case remains active, and police are asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Marcos Gonzalez or Lt. Chris Robinson at 770-254-2355.