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| Two teenagers were killed and two juveniles injured in an early-morning shooting at a short-term rental in Hamblen County, Tennessee. |
Deadly Shooting at Airbnb Party Leaves Community in Shock
HAMBLEN COUNTY, Tenn. — A weekend gathering at a short‑term rental property ended in tragedy early Sunday, January 4, 2026, when gunfire erupted at an Airbnb party in the Talbott area, leaving two teens dead and two others injured, authorities confirmed. Responding deputies found several victims at the home on Old Poplar Ridge Road shortly after gunshots were reported just after midnight, according to the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said there were about 25 to 30 people at the rental from surrounding counties when the shooting occurred. Among those injured were a 15‑year‑old and a 16‑year‑old, both treated at nearby hospitals and later released. The victims killed in the shooting were Jayden Andrew Bullard, 16, of McMinn County, and Marsalous Tre‑Dante Vestal, 19, of Morristown.
Charges Filed Against Suspects
Law enforcement quickly identified and arrested two people in connection with the shooting. 18‑year‑old Adam Perez Jr. of White Pine was charged with two counts of second‑degree murder, and 19‑year‑old Talan Wayne Trevathan of Sevierville was charged with two counts of second‑degree murder, party to the offense. Both suspects were taken into custody at a Pigeon Forge motel with help from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and local police, and are being held without bond pending court proceedings.
Investigators later added further charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and multiple counts of reckless endangerment against Perez Jr. and Trevathan in connection with the injuries sustained by others at the party. A preliminary hearing in the case has been set for later this spring.
Third Person Faces Charges Linked to Event
In addition to the two murder suspects, a third person Gracious Tyler Boruff, was charged with contributing to the delinquency of a child for her alleged role in renting the short‑term rental and transporting three minors to the party. Airbnb confirmed that Boruff’s account was suspended, and the company said it is cooperating with authorities and investigating the incident under its policies.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
Neighbors described the shooting as disturbing and “unimaginable,” telling local media they were awakened by the sound of gunfire and the chaos that followed. One resident said she heard several teens running and screaming shortly after shots rang out, and the emotional impact on families and attendees was evident as investigators worked through the morning.
The Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office continues to interview party attendees and witnesses, and authorities say the investigation remains active. Officials are also reviewing evidence from surveillance footage and coordinating with the TBI to determine how the confrontation escalated into deadly violence.
Law enforcement has urged anyone with additional information about the shooting or who may have seen activity before, during, or after the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Office or submit tips through official channels.
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