In a case that has haunted the community of Noon, Georgia, for nearly 14 years, authorities have made a significant breakthrough in the murder of 17-year-old Blake Chappell. The teenager disappeared after attending a school dance in October 2011, and his body was discovered in a creek two months later, raising numerous questions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Now, police have arrested 38-year-old Scotty Elliot Smith, who allegedly confessed to the crime.
Blake was last seen on October 15, 2011, after enjoying a homecoming dance with his girlfriend. Following the event, he was dropped off at a friend’s house, where he called his mother to express how much fun he had that night. However, shortly after, he set out for a three-mile walk back to his girlfriend’s home. His final communications included a text about a police officer stopping him, although local law enforcement has no record of such an encounter. Following this, Blake sent one last message complaining about the cold, after which he vanished without a trace.
The search for Blake ended tragically on December 19, 2011, when a passerby discovered his body in a creek, face down and wearing only an undershirt and underwear. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators initially treated his disappearance as a runaway case, as Blake had a tumultuous relationship history, including a prior incident involving his ex-girlfriend’s family. Despite the drama, leads began to dry up, and for years, the case remained stagnant.
In 2023, police made a public appeal targeting an anonymous tipster believed to have sent letters related to the case. These letters, while never publicly disclosed, were thought to contain crucial information. However, it wasn’t until two years later that a new lead emerged, linking Scotty Smith to Blake’s murder.
According to investigators, Smith had not been on their radar until the latest evidence pointed to him. In September 2025, he reportedly confessed to killing Blake. At the time of Blake’s disappearance, Smith was 24 years old. Following the alleged murder, he accumulated a series of criminal charges, including aggressive driving and battery, culminating in a prison sentence in 2018. He was released in July 2020.
Smith now faces serious charges, including felony murder, aggravated assault, and tampering with evidence. Notably absent from the charges are any related to sexual assault, despite speculation due to the condition in which Blake was found. Prosecutors have yet to indicate whether they possess sufficient evidence to support such claims.
As the investigation continues and more details emerge, the community remains hopeful for justice in a case that has lingered for over a decade. Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information to step forward as they seek to uncover the full circumstances surrounding Blake Chappell’s tragic death. The arrest of Scotty Smith marks a pivotal moment in a case that many feared would remain unsolved.
