Christopher Mitchell Obituary, Death; South Nashville stabbing victim identified by police

Christopher Mitchell Obituary, Death – Authorities in Nashville have released the identity of a man who lost his life in a violent stabbing inside a South Nashville apartment over the weekend. The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) confirmed that the victim was 61-year-old Christopher Mitchell, a local resident.

Investigators reported that Mitchell was attacked on Saturday night by another man of the same age, identified as 61-year-old Timothy Scarbrough. According to the police account, Scarbrough admitted to authorities that he had been drinking and using drugs throughout the day before the stabbing occurred. He allegedly confronted Mitchell because he believed Mitchell had been stealing his drugs and then reselling them back to him.

The stabbing was described by police as particularly brutal. The attack caused severe injuries to Mitchell’s face, to the extent that investigators initially struggled to identify him. MNPD explained that Mitchell was not carrying any form of identification at the time, which further delayed the confirmation of his identity. It was only after more thorough investigative steps that police were able to determine who he was.

When officers responded to the scene, they were able to locate the murder weapon inside the apartment, which further connected Scarbrough to the crime. He was taken into custody shortly afterward without further incident.

Scarbrough was officially charged in connection with the killing and later booked into jail. Records indicate he is being held on a $200,000 bond. Police have not released additional details about his criminal history or whether Mitchell and Scarbrough had a longstanding relationship prior to the attack, though the motive appears to have been linked to drug-related disputes and impaired judgment from substance abuse.

In their report, authorities highlighted the disturbing nature of the violence, noting that substance use and suspicions over drugs played a major role in escalating the conflict. The combination of alcohol, drugs, and paranoia appeared to have fueled Scarbrough’s rage, ultimately leading to the fatal stabbing.

The Metro Nashville Police Department is continuing its investigation, but officials said that with the recovery of the weapon and Scarbrough’s statements, the case against him is already substantial. They are also awaiting results from forensic analysis to strengthen the evidence.

Community members in the South Nashville area have expressed shock over the violent nature of the killing. Incidents involving drugs and substance abuse have long been a concern in parts of the city, and this case has underscored the dangers such environments can create, not only for those directly involved but also for surrounding neighbors and the broader community.

Christopher Mitchell is being remembered as the victim of a senseless act of violence that unfolded inside what should have been a place of safety. His tragic death marks yet another reminder of the destructive impact of substance abuse and unresolved conflict. Meanwhile, Scarbrough remains behind bars as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.