A significant manhunt was launched by various government agencies following the death of a former Army Special Forces veteran, who was accused of trying to kill his wife. Officials confirmed that Craig Berry is deceased and, as Deputy U.S. Marshal Christian A. Marrero stated, “no longer poses a threat to the public.”
Early reports from the Stewart County, Tennessee, Sheriff’s Office suggest Berry died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He allegedly shot his wife early Friday morning during a domestic dispute at their home in Dover, Tennessee, before fleeing the scene.
Berry was facing several serious charges, including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault. According to Stewart County Sheriff Frankie Gray, his wife attempted to escape in her vehicle, but Berry pursued her until he crashed the car, which was totaled.
The sheriff mentioned that Berry’s wife, whose name has yet to be disclosed, was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries but has since been released. Investigators have interviewed her multiple times regarding the incident.
Gray hinted at a possible “financial situation” affecting the couple but refrained from elaborating on their relationship issues. A family member reportedly spoke with Berry shortly after the incident, indicating that he may have destroyed his cell phone.
The search for Berry was described as “urgent,” with Sheriff Gray advising local residents to keep their doors locked. There were concerns that he might attempt to steal a vehicle to escape. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is collaborating with the Stewart County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals Service, deploying helicopters and officers to assist in the ongoing search.
Berry, who served as an infantry and special forces surgeon in the Army from 1992 until 2016 and was deployed to Iraq four times, made it onto the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Most Wanted list shortly after the incident. Hours post-shooting, law enforcement conducted thorough searches in heavily wooded areas.
The sheriff’s office had earlier warned that Berry was considered “armed and dangerous.” They noted he was an “excellent swimmer and diver” with extensive survival training, suggesting he was physically capable of evasion.
In a related note, it was shared that Berry’s wife works as a school teacher. The Stewart County Schools district expressed concern for her well-being and assured that the incident did not happen on school grounds, assuring the community there was no active threat.
If anyone in New York City is facing suicidal thoughts or mental health issues, they can turn to 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential assistance. Meanwhile, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can be reached at 988 for support outside the city.
