News Summary
Christopher James Havrilla, 51, from Alabama, has been indicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, related to the disappearance of Bristol resident Cody Scott Matney, missing since April 2002. Following new evidence, Havrilla faces serious charges, including especially aggravated kidnapping and tampering with evidence. Currently held on a $1 million bond, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The investigation into Matney’s case continues with local law enforcement urging residents to share any relevant information.
BRISTOL, TN
Christopher James Havrilla, a 51-year-old man from Alabama, has been indicted on multiple charges related to the murder of Bristol resident Cody Scott Matney, who went missing in April 2002. The indictment comes following new information that has emerged during the ongoing investigation.
Earlier this year, Havrilla was arrested in Orange Beach, Alabama, and subsequently extradited to Tennessee, where he was booked into the Sullivan County Jail. In March, he was initially indicted for the murder of Matney, but a review of the case led to a superseding indictment with more serious charges.
The new charges against Havrilla include:
- One count of First Degree Murder
- One count of First Degree Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping
- One count of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping
- One count of Tampering with Evidence
- One count of Abuse of a Corpse
- Two counts of False Report
Havrilla was arraigned on these charges last week and is currently being held in the Sullivan County Jail on a $1 million bond. If he is able to post bail, he must wear an ankle monitor as a condition of his release.
The investigation into Matney’s disappearance has seen extensive collaboration between several law enforcement agencies, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Bristol Police Department, the 2nd Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. Officials continue to pursue leads and believe that there may be additional individuals in the Bristol, TN, and Bristol, VA, areas who possess relevant information regarding the case.
Residents are encouraged to share any information they may have by reaching out to the Bristol, Tennessee Police Department at 423-968-1426 or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation toll-free at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
It is important to note that the charges against Havrilla are allegations of criminal conduct. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation into the 2002 disappearance of Cody Matney has persisted over the years, with authorities dedicating resources to uncover the truth behind his mysterious vanishing. Matney was a 24-year-old man who was reported missing on a business premises along West State Street in Bristol. The case remained open until recent developments prompted a renewed inquiry that ultimately led to Havrilla’s arrest.
As the case progresses, local law enforcement is keen to ensure that justice is served for Cody Matney and offers reassurance to the community that they remain committed to herding out the truth.
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Additional Resources
- WCYB News
- Wikipedia: Cody Scott Matney Case
- MyWabashValley News
- Google Search: Sullivan County Murder Case
- WISH TV News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sullivan County Inmate Death
- WJHL News
- Google News: Sullivan County Murder Footage Deleted
- WBIW News
- Google Scholar: Lowell Badger Murder Trial
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
