police arrest two, seek another in girl's murder

melissa v. foster, 17, was killed in november

Submitted photo

Julio Enrique Fernandez

published: January 07 2009 05:04 PM updated:: January 08 2009 06:03 PM

The Sevierville Police Department announced on Jan. 6 the indictment of Julio Enrique Fernandez on one count of first degree murder in the recent death of Melissa V. Foster.

Police also arrested Olvin Avilez, 23, and Carlos Avilez, 21, both of Sevierville, on Jan. 6 and have charged them with accessory after the fact for allegedly providing aid and assistance to Fernandez after the murder was committed.

Police are requesting the assistance of the public in locating Fernandez, who is described as an Hispanic male 19 to 22 years old. He is 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighs 150 pounds, and has brown hair and brown eyes.

Foster was discovered when police responded to 357 Club Drive on Nov. 5, 2008, after they were notified of a possible deceased person. Foster, 17, was apparently found by another resident.

Police said Fernandez may have shaved his hair completely, so his appearance may be somewhat different than his photograph. The public is cautioned not to make contact with Fernandez, but instead to contact police at 453-5506. The ongoing investigation includes the SPD, Sevier County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division, and the United States Marshall's Service.

User Comments

#1 BUILD A FENCE commented, on January 7, 2009 at 7:58 p.m.:

LOOKS LIKE MORE ILLEGAL MEXICANS, SEND THEM ALL BACK.

#2 NavyVet commented, on January 8, 2009 at 12:56 p.m.:

What do you see in this article or photo that brings you to the conclusion that they're illegal Mexicans? If a photo of my daughter-in-law was posted here, would you make that same statement. After all, she's from Mexico. There's certainly nothing illegal about her.

#3 My Word commented, on January 8, 2009 at 1:12 p.m.:

Seems you son is not to bright!

If the picture was of Obama would that make the Herald a Liberal rag like the New York Times?

Sevier County is full of illegal Mexicans thanks to Dollywood and her Branson Pimps!

Press ONE for English, does that sound familiar?

#4 Wow commented, on January 8, 2009 at 5:46 p.m.:

#1 & #3 = more examples of how East TN rednecks approach anyone different than themselves. Yet another reason why I finally got out of there. Good riddance! Hang in there #2.

#5 ear bob commented, on January 9, 2009 at 8:20 a.m.:

look at them ear bobs!!!!

#6 it's sad commented, on January 9, 2009 at 10:04 p.m.:

If it's some honky killing his wife, or someone else, no one says "Let's send them back to europe" Lordy, white folks have a lot of fears these days.