Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Rines arrest (Update)
A Cocke County man who was wanted by the Cocke County Sheriff's Office in the Monday evening death of 48 year-old Eugene Ottinger has surrendered to authorities. Travis Rines, 29, Merry Way, Parrottsville is charged with Second Degree murder and violation of probation. Cocke County Sheriff Armando Fontes said the investigation revealed that the two men became involved in a physical altercation at the South Highway 340 , Parrottsville property of Ottinger. Both individuals had apparently been drinking alcohol prior to the altercation at 10 p.m. The sheriff said Rines fled the scene in his vehicle after the incident and remained on the run until Tuesday morning when he turned himself in to Detective Lt. C.J. Ball. "Rines had spoken to his probation officer, Sabrina Shults with the Tennessee Department Of Corrections, and she convinced him to turn himself in," the sheriff explained. The suspect was cooperative with investigators, telling officers he was assaulted by Eugene Ottinger and that he defended himself. Rines is being held without bond. “This is an unfortunate situation affecting families in our community, as a result of the abuse of alcohol by both parties involved. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those involved in this situation.,” the sheriff said. He expressed his appreciation to the investigators, the district attorney 's office, the TBI, and Mrs. Shults for their assistance in the investigation and the subsequent arrest. Detective Lt. Ball said an autopsy has been ordered.


Return to Today's News Stories - Front Page

Thursday, April 29, 2021

  • US 411 Project News
  • Mill Creek Wildfire Update
  • More Bad News For Smokies' Fans

    Wednesday, April 28, 2021

  • Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
  • Goodbye Smokies?
  • Keep Cocke County Beautiful
  • Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!

    Tuesday, April 27, 2021

  • The fireflies are coming!
  • Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
  • Gas prices drop
  • Tennessee keeps all US House seats

    Monday, April 26, 2021

  • Boat accident victim ID'd
  • Traffic stop yields drug arrest
  • Cocke County Wildfires

    Friday, April 23, 2021

  • Leaving WNPC
  • Mathis announces candidacy
  • Newport drug roundup
  • Cruise Against Cancer
  • Jobless numbers