COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. — Authorities have ended recovery efforts at the Birchwood Landfill in the search for the remains of a murder victim as investigators continue building their case against a suspect accused of carrying out a premeditated killing.
In an update released June 18, the Collegedale Police Department announced that, after a two-day search of the landfill and consultation with local, state, and federal partners, officials made the decision to conclude further recovery operations related to the disappearance and death of Robert George Locke.
Investigators said the homicide investigation remains active and ongoing.
Police also addressed what they described as widespread misinformation circulating on social media and other online platforms regarding the case.
According to investigators, there is no evidence indicating that Locke and the suspect, 19-year-old Kian Andrew Neal, had any prior relationship or connection.
Authorities said Neal told investigators he did not know Locke and had never met him before. Based on the evidence collected, investigators believe Locke was selected at random.
The police department stated that evidence gathered throughout the investigation has consistently corroborated statements Neal allegedly made after waiving his Miranda rights.
Investigators believe the evidence will show that Locke’s killing was planned and premeditated and that Neal was responsible for both the murder and the disposal of the victim’s body.
Police acknowledged that Locke had a criminal history and had served prison time for offenses committed in the early 2000s. However, officials emphasized that a victim’s past does not diminish the seriousness of a homicide investigation.
“While the Collegedale Police Department does not condone the crimes committed by Robert George Locke in the early 2000s, for which he was convicted and sent to prison, we also cannot condone an act of murder regardless of who the victim may be or what they may have done in the past,” the department stated. “Our duty is to uphold the law impartially and to ensure that justice is applied equally to all people.”
Neal’s attorney entered a plea of not guilty during a recent appearance in Collegedale Municipal Court.
His next court appearance is scheduled for July 1, 2026.
As with all criminal cases, Neal is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
