April 22, 2024 | By: Xavier Ford This story is part of a collaborative project between Project: Cold Case and the University of North Florida’s Applied Journalism class. ***UPDATE*** Investigators announced on September 12, 2025, that Scotty Elliot Smith was arrested and charged in connection with Blake Chappell’s 2011 death. Police say Smith confessed during multiple interviews with detectives. He now faces charges for felony murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, concealing the death of another, and tampering with evidence. He remains held at the Coweta County Jail. *Original Spotlight Article – Published April 22, 2024* Blake Chappell loved baking – especially around Halloween, when he would make candy apples and sell them to the community of Newnan, Georgia. His mother, Melissa Becker, said he loved Halloween; it was one of his favorite holidays. He looked forward to Halloween every year, not just because it gave him a reason to bake treats and watch movies, but because it allowed him to... Read More