Haslam Announces Reward in Dover Murder Case

$5,000 offered in 1980 Stewart County kidnapping and murder of two teens  

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the kidnapping and murder in 1980 of sisters Carla Atkins and Vickie Stout.

“We believe someone has information that could help solve this case, and we want whoever is responsible for this crime to be brought to justice,” Haslam said.  “We ask anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.”

Atkins, 14, and Stout, 16, who were students at Stewart County High School, were last seen alive on September 17, 1980, as they were walking on Highway 79 in Dover.  They walked to a local market and did not return. Their bodies were recovered on October 5, 1980, by two hikers in a remote location within Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Both girls were killed at close range with a shotgun. 

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, along with the Stewart County Sheriff’s Department, have continued to investigate.  New leads have developed in the case.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation recently agreed to assist the TBI.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.