Suspect in 2013 Smyrna Murder still wanted by the TBI and Police

Jul 20, 2017 at 01:27 pm by Bryan Barrett


In 2013, John Bouavong was shot and killed outside of a Smyrna eatery. The man was thought to have been caught in the crossfire of a group fighting outside the Souksavahn Restaurant on Almaville Road.

Suspect Bounthavy Mickey Mouthouta, also known as Soviet, has been on the run for over four years now. His last known address was 105 Riddick Court, Murfreesboro, is wanted for one count of first degree murder and one count of attempted first degree murder.

In the past, some people were afraid to talk out of fear that the shooting was gang related. While that has not changed, perhaps someone who knows something will now come forward considering the years that have passed.

As for the victim, he would have been turning 31 in a matter of days prior to being shot and killed. Smyrna Police say he was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Police have received tips that the now 50 year old suspect who goes by Soviet, could be in California or as far away as Thailand or Laos.

Details from the TBI: Bounthavy Mickey Mouthouta aka "SOVIET" is wanted by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Smyrna Police Department for the shooting of three people on June 23, 2013.

According to witnesses, the victims were shot by Mouthouta with a 40 caliber pistol during a fight at the Souksavahn Restaurant located at 1890 Almaville Road in Smyrna.

Mouthouta was last seen driving a 2004 silver Honda Accord with Tennessee tag 093NGR.

Mouthouta has been charged with one count First Degree Murder and one count of Attempted First Degree Murder and warrants are on file.

A $4,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest. If you have information on his whereabouts, call the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation/Smryna Police Department Special Agent Haidy Grigsby Detective Allan Nabors 1-800-TBI-FIND (615)267-5434.

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