Sevier County man has been arrested in connection with the murder of his wife and the subsequent burning of his home according to Sevier Co. Sheriff Ron Seals
Seals said that the arrest follows an investigation that was initiated on September 23rd 2007 when Sheriffs officers were dispatched to 2289 Spruce Way to a structure fire.
Firefighters then found the body of Pricie Loretta Dodgen inside the residence deceased. Officers had found Johnny Michael Dodgen age 51, also of 2289 Spruce Way, lying outside suffering from a gunshot wound.
Dodgen told first responders that he had been shot as a result of an attack by intruders into his home.
Dodgen also claimed his wife was attacked by the intruders as he was fleeing the home.
After a lengthy hospital stay Dodgen was released and investigators were able to interview Dodgen on Tuesday November 13th and after being confronted with conflicting evidence Dodgen gave a statement that the series of events that he first told investigators was not true.
Dodgen admitted to Investigators that he was responsible for his wife’s death and he then set the home on fire to mask the crime.
Dodgen then shot himself in an attempt to commit suicide but the attempt failed.
Dodgen was charged on Tuesday with the First Degree Murder of his wife and Aggravated Arson in connection with the burning of his home.
Dodgen is being held at the Sevier County Jail awaiting arraignment before a judge at time of release.
Sheriff Seals said that his Office was assisted in the investigation by State Bomb and Arson Division investigators.

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