2 charged with murder in Beene slaying

Tuesday, February 17, 2009


By:
Ron Clayton

ATHENS, Tenn. — Felony murder charges have been filed against two men accused in the Jan. 29 shooting death of Athens business man Jeff Beene.

Daniel Lankey, 30, is accused of firing the shot that struck Mr. Beene in the head in his business, Plastics Industries.

Jeff Coleman, 49, is charged because he facilitated the crime by Mr. Beene from behind while the businessman was holding Mr. Lankey at gunpoint.

Evidence against both was taken to the McMinn County Grand Jury on Tuesday.

Results from the grand jury’s deliberation were not released, but Sheriff Frisbie said the panel sent him an arrest warrant with the charges against both men, who are in the McMinn County Jail on other charges.

Both men had given statements admitting their involvement, the sheriff said.

“Each are now being held on a $1-million bond,” Sheriff Frisbie said Tuesday.

See Wednesday’s Times Free Press for complete coverage.

Subscribe Here!
Chattanooga Roller Girls ready for first "bout" next month