Coffee County Sheriff Steve Graves talked about all departments working together on the case
Chris Guess with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department told the media about the arrest
Michael L. Curtis... All photos by Barry West
During a press conference late Wednesday night, law enforcement officials confirmed they have made an arrest in the murder of 23-year-old Kayla Qualls.
Police said Michael L. Curtis, 48, of 603 General St. Tullahoma was arrested Wednesday around 7pm and charged with the murder. Curtis was said to be the grandfather of Qualls’ children. He is the father of Qualls’ former boyfriend.
Police said that Qualls’ former boyfriend was still considered a person of interest in the case. Both Curtis and his son were said to have criminal pasts.
Franklin County Sheriff Tim Fuller confirmed to WMSR that the murder did take place in Tullahoma at Curtis’ house.
Curtis is charged with 1st degree murder and is currently in the Coffee County Jail under a $1 (M) bond.
Qualls was found murdered inside her SUV on Monday morning, just a few miles across the Franklin county line. A preliminary investigation indicated that Qualls died of blunt force trauma to the head.
Qualls left behind two children, ages three and four.
Franklin and Coffee County Sheriff Departments along with Tullahoma and Estill Springs city police and the TBI worked almost non-stop for 3 days leading to the arrest of Curtis.
Michael Curtis was set to appear in court on Monday, December 3.
Speaking on the video below: First is Chris Guess with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Deaprtment followed by Sheriff Tim Fuller from Franklin County.
