Retired Special Forces Veteran Sought in Tennessee After Shooting Wife

Federal and state agencies have joined a manhunt in rural Tennessee for Craig Berry, a 44-year-old retired Special Forces veteran accused of shooting his wife and fleeing into dense woods.

Berry remains at large after running from a home in Stewart County early Sunday morning, the county sheriff’s office said. He faces a charge of second-degree attempted murder.

Deputies arrived around 1:30 a.m. at a residence near Old Paris Highway following reports of a domestic altercation. Berry allegedly shot his wife there, and emergency responders took her to a hospital. Officials have not released her condition.

Berry escaped into nearby woods before deputies reached the scene. The search has grown to cover rugged terrain along the Tennessee-Kentucky border.

Authorities said Berry is armed with at least one handgun, may have extra ammunition, and should be considered highly dangerous. His Special Forces background and survival training have raised concerns, as he knows the area well.

"He is very familiar with the area," Sheriff Gray said.

A trail camera captured Berry in camouflage clothing, according to the sheriff’s office. K-9 units last tracked him near River Trace Road, but officials no longer know if he is in that immediate zone.

The search area now includes Gray’s Landing and stretches along highways 232 and 79. The Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Marshals Service are involved.

Berry is physically fit and able to handle tough terrain and waterways. Officials believe he is a strong swimmer and diver. He has no phone or other electronic devices, which limits tracking efforts.

Investigators have not ruled out outside help for Berry after the shooting. Law enforcement announced Monday that it is shifting from broad woodland sweeps to more targeted searches based on leads.

Sheriff’s officials urged residents to stay alert, lock doors, and report suspicious activity. They asked property owners to check trail cameras for images of Berry.

"We have no information that he is no longer in the area," the sheriff’s office said in its latest update.

Authorities warned people not to approach Berry and to call 911 if they spot him.