Police: Fairview murder suspect beat man to death, put body in freezer

FAIRVIEW, Tenn. (WSMV) — A Fairview family is behind bars after police said they played a role in the death of a man who was murdered and then stuffed into a freezer.

Michael Charles Lee is charged with criminal homicide in the death of his brother-in-law Sean Carr. Police responded to the Lee family home after being tipped off by a witness that a homicide had occurred.

When police arrived and began investigating, Carr’s body was found wrapped in plastic and inside a freezer in the home’s basement, police said.

Michael Lee put a ball into a sock and beat Carr to death, according to an affidavit. He told police he put Carr’s body into the freezer “in an attempt to protect his family” and then threw away his makeshift weapon.

Michael Lee’s wife, Angeline, was questioned by police about Carr’s death. She said Carr had been “disrespecting her,” and later, her husband came to her and said he thought he had killed Carr. She told police “looking back,” she should have called 911.

Angeline Lee and Dennis Lee, the couple’s son, were charged with accessory to murder in the case.

Neighbors said the Lee family had lived in the house for around two years and they were very friendly and helpful members of the community.

“Just as things progressed, I saw the yellow tape and knew something was going on,” neighbor James Holman said. “Yellow tape going up, that’s something serious. There was nothing at all that led me to believe something like this would happen over there.”

Holman said he was woken up by police cars lining Shayla Court early Monday morning, and he never expected something like this to happen in their quiet neighborhood.

“I was shocked because they are good people,” Holman said. “The boys come over here a lot, asked questions, one had to use the trailer I have for the Christmas parade.”

Fairview Police was on scene Wednesday continuing to investigate the murder. Chief Zach Humphreys said the murder is still under investigation and he cannot comment on the case at this time.

Michael Lee is being held in jail on a $2 million bond for his first-degree murder charge. Angeline and Dennis Lee are each in jail on $350,000 bonds for their accessory after the fact charges.

The three family members are due in court on Nov. 3, according to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office.

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