Carolyn Goyns, a neighbor, says, "There was nothing I could do. That was the hardest part."
Goyns saw the unthinkable, and then heard the almost indescribable.
Goyns adds, "I saw a man next door running and screaming and trying to get in the house and then more shots."
All the while not knowing it was her neighbor Dennis Patterson, 60, that she heard.
Goyns adds, "He was screaming Oww, and just cussing at the guy like he knew him."
That isbecause Patterson did know the suspect, Jason Baker, 32.
Deputies say he was family, and had been staying with the Patterson's for several weeks after being released from prison.
Sheriff Joe Guy, with the McMinn County Sheriff's Office, says, "For some reason he and Mr. Patterson had not been getting along very well."
Sheriff Guy believes Patterson was on his lawnmower Sunday morning, when Baker attacked him.
Sheriff Guy adds, "We're inclined to believe he was shot and then later stabbed."
But they are not sure.
They do know however, that Patterson was stabbed and shot multiple times with a shotgun.
Goyns adds, "It was scary."
That is when Goyns called 911.
According to Goyns, "There was a feeling a helplessness."
She says she saw the shooter try to move the body from this porch.
When officers arrived they tell us they found Baker covered in blood and making strange comments about how he had to kill Patterson.
Sheriff Guy adds, "He may possibly have some mental defects based on what the family has told us."
Sheriff Guy says if it was not for Goyns calling 911, and the quick response from his deputies, this murder may have been harder to solve.
Sheriff Guy adds, "It's pretty clear that Mr. Baker had moved some evidence and made some attempt to cover up what he had done."
While Baker remains in jail without bond, the flag at the Calhoun Volunteer Fire Department flies at half staff.
They say Patterson was a captain in every sense of the word.
Charles Levasseur, Patterson's friend, says, "He was a real morale builder, he would take you under his wing and teach you what he knew."
Patterson was a volunteer firefighter for more than 15 years.
Co-workers say he was there go-to man, and helped with several training programs and fundraisers.
Baker will be arraigned Tuesday morning.
