HCSO responds to disorder after suspect allegedly sets woman on fire

Christopher Medula | Courtesy: HC Sheriff

UPDATE: It was initially reported that Ms. Palacio was the suspect’s grandmother, however upon further investigation it has been concluded that there is no known familial connection between Medula and Palacio.

Palacio succumbed to her injuries on the evening of November 11, 2025.

Medula was booked and is currently in custody at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center.

UPDATE: An arrest has been made in connection with the November 11 burn victim in Soddy Daisy.

On November 11 at around 2:33 p.m., HCSO was dispatched to an assault with a burn victim.

A witness held the suspect, Christopher Alan Medula, at gunpoint until deputies arrived.

After arriving on scene, deputies noticed a camper fully engulfed in flames.

Deputies also found a woman in the driveway severely burned.

While completing their assessment, deputies found a Bic style lighter in Medula’s pocket.

Deputies noticed a strong odor of fuel on Medula.

According to an affidavit, when officers questioned Medula about how the fire was started, Medula told deupties, “I poured gas on her.”

Angela Palacio suffered third-degree burns to approximately 70 percent of her body.

According to an affidavit, Palacio’s next of kin has decided to remove her from life support.

Palacio was airlifted to Nashville.

Medula is being charged with:

• Aggravated Arson
• Attempted First Degree Murder
• Aggravated Assault

HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) – Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an incident involving a suspect who allegedly set their grandmother on fire and attempted to flee.

The incident happened on Tuesday at 1800 block of Clift Eldridge Road.

The suspect was detained by gunpoint by another individual until deputies arrived to take the suspect into the custody.

The victim was transported by Lifeforce helicopter to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

Dallas Bay Fire Department and Hamilton County EMS, and HCSO CID also responded to the scene.