08/05/2026
Clinton, Tenn. - On September 12, 2023, the Anderson County Sheriff's Department responded to a crime scene on Moore's Gap Road in Anderson County where they found Shysti Mayberry shot to death and laying beside the roadway. The Sheriff's Department began an investigation of the crime scene and, based on evidence obtained, also began a search for the killer and Shysti Mayberry's missing infant child. The manhunt led to the recovery of the missing child and, after pursuit through multiple Tennessee counties and Lee County, Virginia, Jason Robert Dockery was found and arrested two days later. Detective Sergeant Don Scuglia led the investigation that included many deputies and departments within the Sheriff's Office.
Following the investigation by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office, indictments were issued by the Anderson County Grand Jury on August 6, 2024, against Jason Robert Dockery, age 47, for one (1) count of First-Degree Murder, two (2) counts of First-Degree Murder in Perpetration of Kidnapping, three (3) counts of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, one (1) count of Possession of Firearm During Commission of a Dangerous Felony, one (1) count of Possession of Weapon - Convicted Felon and one (1) count of Reckless Endangerment - Discharge Firearm within Motor Vehicle. Mr. Dockery has remained incarcerated since being charged in 2024.
In a trial that began last week, the State of Tennessee obtained convictions on all counts against Dockery who was the boyfriend of Shysti Mayberry. The jury returned its verdict today. Judge Ryan Spitzer presided over the trial. The next stage of the case is sentencing, where the State is seeking life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
District Attorney General Dave Clark would like to thank Anderson County Sheriff Russell Barker and the Sheriff's Office, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Anderson County EMS, Knox County Regional Forensic Center, and all other agencies who assisted in apprehension of this Defendant. The Claibore County Sheriff's Department and Lee County Virginia Sheriff's Department were of particular assistance.
Assistant District Attorneys Kevin J. Allen and Brandon K. Pelizzari prosecuted the case and Victim Witness Coordinator, Katherine Sellers, and Criminal Investigator Jock Coleman aided in the prosecution of this case as well.
General Clark remarked, "This was a demanding case that required quick, technical and effective management of a complicated crime scene as well as a simultaneous manhunt and Amber Alert type situation that involved many departments. The infant was safely recovered, the fugitive was successfully arrested and now has been convicted. We are grateful to everyone involved in this case for bringing justice to the victim and her grieving family. We continue to send our condolences to the family."
Pictured below is Assistant District Attorney Brandon Pelizzari and Kevin Allen who were arguing to the jury in the murder trial of Jason Dockery.
