Tennessee man crashes his dad’s car; but when police go to his parents’ home, they find something much worse

A man in Tennessee has been arrested after police stopped him when he allegedly crashed his father’s car. The incident prompted officers to go to the home of the man’s father, where they discovered both of his parents had been stabbed to death.

Timothy Paul Libbey, 36, had been released from prison on November 7, but a day later, on November 8, around 12:30 p.m., he was involved in a single-vehicle crash while driving a 2018 Toyota Prius, which officers found out was registered to his father, Willis Libbey. Timothy Libbey refused to give officers any information about himself, prompting them to talk to Willis, according to WTVC.

When they arrived at the home of Libbey’s parents in the 100 block of County Road 654, they discovered the bodies of Willis Libbey, 72, and Mary Libbey, 74, inside. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety report, both appeared to have suffered multiple stab wounds.

Investigators determined that Timothy had taken the vehicle, which they valued between $14,000 and $16,000, without authorization. Libbey was subsequently charged with theft of property valued at more than $10,000. 

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) told People that it is currently investigating the death of the couple. Currently, Libbey has not been charged in connection with the death of his parents.

Timothy Libbey had just been released from prison

Before the incident on November 8, Libbey had just been released from prison, where he had been serving a sentence for aggravated assault, according to People. Libbey was convicted of assaulting a Hampton Inn employee as well as officers who responded to the scene in December 2022.

Libbey is currently being held at the McMinn County Jail in connection with the alleged theft. However, he is now facing additional charges that he incurred since being arrested.

It’s alleged that, after being taken into custody on Monday, November 9, he punched a corrections officer. He also allegedly kicked and spat at officers in another incident on Tuesday, November 10. Arrest affidavits that have been obtained by WTVC show that he has since been charged with assault on a first responder and retaliation for past action. It is not yet clear if Libbey has retained an attorney.

An obituary for Willis and Mary Libbey said that the couple had been married for 52 years and that “They were inseparable, building a life centered on faith, family, and love for others.” The obituary also said the couple “dearly loved their children and grandchildren and cherished the time they spent together.”