An early morning crash has claimed the life of a local restaurateur. Phyllis Prater, owner of Prater's Barbeque & Catering was killed Thursday morning. The Tennessee Department of Transportation reported two people died in a crash just after 6:30 a.m. on Highway 70S and Castle Street in Warren County. Prater’s Barbecue of Morrison announced on social media that the Morrison location is closed until further notice. Prater’s husband Gary also operates Prater's BBQ in Manchester.
Chris Stanford, District Attorney General 31st Judicial District released this statement:
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, Tennessee Highway Patrol and my office are currently investigating a criminal matter that occurred in Warren County this morning and ended in tragedy. It is with a heavy heart that I confirm that Warren County lost a pillar of our community early this morning, Mrs. Phyllis Prater. Mrs. Prater and her husband, Gary Prater, have long served our community with their public service, kind generosity and philanthropic work. Mrs. Prater will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her.
Tragically, Mrs. Prater was killed in a horrific motor vehicle collision this morning in what initially appears to be the result of a senseless spree of felony criminal conduct on the part of the deceased suspect that hit and killed Mrs. Prater. The deceased suspect is believed to be involved in numerous incidents of violent felony criminal conduct across Rutherford and Warren counties that ended with the deadly collision with Mrs. Prater.
Agents with the TBI and THP made preliminary and presumed identification of the deceased suspect which is Brandon Thomas James (DOB 10/14/2000) formerly of Murfreesboro.
Further, details surrounding the deceased suspect’s identity, his actions during the evident crime spree and details surrounding the awful collision that took the life of Mrs. Prater this morning, are not being released due to the ongoing criminal investigation. The TBI and THP are and have been working diligently to gather all
necessary information to ensure a thorough review of the events leading up to this terrible tragedy.
It is necessary to note that a preliminary review of the available evidence reveals that officers and deputies with the City of McMinnville Police Department and Warren County Sheriff’s Department handled themselves with the highest level of expertise and integrity during the dangerous situation which appears to have threatened serious bodily injury or death to officers and deputies with both departments this morning.
My prayers, condolences and support are with Mrs. Prater’s family and friends, and all of Warren County which will be forever scarred by this tragic incident. Warren County is full of loving and supportive people that care for each other.
We plead with the community to all try and put our differences aside for a time and join together with me and others in offering our thoughts, prayers and support to the Prater family as they grieve their tremendous loss.
Rumors and speculation can run rampant in our community, at times. However, this is an opportunity for our community to show what we are made of and unite with one another for the best interest of the Prater family and our community
Please also join with law enforcement as we collectively respect the Prater family’s privacy and continue to seek the facts of this incident through further investigation. Thank you.
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