Authorities have confirmed that the burned body discovered inside a refrigerator in Overton County, Tennessee, belongs to Hope Parrott. The sheriff has stated that Parrott and the suspect, Edward Randolph, were acquainted.
Arrest Made
The Overton County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the District Attorney, has announced that Randolph has been arrested and is facing charges of First-Degree Murder and Abuse of a Corpse. His bond has been set at an unprecedented $50 million, ensuring he will remain behind bars.
Discovery of the Crime
The shocking case began about a week ago, around 1 a.m., when a woman driving along Sunk Cane Road near State Highway 164 noticed flames in a ravine by the roadside. Upon stopping, she discovered that a refrigerator had been dumped and set on fire. The appliance’s door had fallen open, and to her horror, she realized there was a human body wedged inside. She immediately contacted law enforcement, sparking a major investigation.
Community Outrage and Family’s Heartbreak
Loved ones of Hope Parrott are reeling from the tragedy, struggling to comprehend the cruelty behind her death. A grieving family member expressed outrage, revealing that Randolph had continued to interact on social media after the murder—sharing missing person reports and even spreading false narratives about Parrott’s disappearance.
The relative stated:
“Every single day after killing my cousin and leaving her to burn in that refrigerator, he pretended to care. He made it look like he was supporting the search for her, but all the while, he knew exactly what he had done. He tried to make it seem like she ran off with someone. The truth is, she wanted to leave him, and he didn’t let her. No bond amount could ever be high enough for this.”
According to family members, messages on their phones do not align with the suspect’s claims. They believe Parrott had been seeking help to escape the relationship.
A Plea for Support
The family is now asking for thoughts and prayers for Hope’s daughter, her grandchildren, and everyone mourning on both sides of the family. The grief is deep, and the pain is made worse by the brutality of the crime.
“Hope, I’m so sorry this happened to you,” the family member added. “We will fight for justice, no matter how long it takes.”
The investigation remains ongoing, and further updates are expected as prosecutors prepare their case.