Lee Byford stopped by his home briefly and as he came out, he was approached by an armed gunman on January 5, 2013. There was a struggle over the door and the gunman fired two shots. The first lodged in the door of Lee's car and the second was a fatal shot to the chest. There was a passenger with Lee since Lee was giving him a ride home. Lee owned and operated a small auto body and custom paint shop. Detectives believe that this was not a random crime as the location of the residence was not visible from the entrance to the street. They believe the gunman knew Lee was going to be there and he was waiting beside the fence. They also believe that this was probably an attempted robbery.

Anyone with information regarding Lee's case is encouraged to contact the Knoxville Police Department at (865) 215-7000. If you would like to report anonymously and have the chance of being eligible for a reward, please contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.

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