Robert Earnest Ernie Reno, 40, was shot multiple times on the evening of November 11, 2011, near his East Knoxville home and bled to death alone. His body was found after midnight on November 12 by a Selma Avenue resident; he lay about ten feet from the front door, having apparently tried to crawl up a small hill toward the house. A neighbor reported hearing six rapid gunshots around 8 p.m. and blood evidence indicates he was shot on the street before reaching the yard.

Earlier that evening Reno had ridden his bicycle to a market and then to a friend’s house, later returning to his Skyline Drive residence where his bicycle and groceries were left inside. For reasons unknown he left again on foot. Neighbors knew him as a familiar figure who collected aluminum cans; he had worked as a brick mason and was on disability after a prior fight-related injury. Family said he struggled with alcohol and could become agitated when drinking.

Knoxville police conducted interviews, analyzed evidence and released a re-enactment seeking help, but the case has gone cold with no suspects named and no arrests reported. Did anyone in East Knoxville see Ernie after he left his home that night or hear anything that might still help investigators?