Police in Tennessee are searching for a fired gym worker who they say killed his former boss with a hatchet and "another bladed instrument" at a Belle Meade strip mall.
Domenic Micheli, 36, is accused of attacking 46-year-old Joel Paavola at the Balance Training fitness center in the strip shopping center in Harding Pike with a weapon in both hands around 6:55 a.m. on June 4.
Micheli is reported have struck Paavola multiple times before fleeing in a small silver Toyota, either a Prius or a Yaris. Paavola died from his injuries en route to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
According to the Tennessean, Paavola reportedly fired Micheli from the gym around 14 months ago, although police have been unable determine a possible motive for the attack.
Metro Nashville Police Department spokesman Don Aaron described the incident as "a senseless, brutal, violent attack this morning on Mr. Paavola as he was there in the business."
Police said that Micheli was previously arrested by the U.S. Secret Service on April 27 for driving his car to a checkpoint near the White House and refusing to move when told to do so. Following his arrest, a judge subsequently ordered a mental evaluation and treatment to determine if he was mentally fit to stand trial, reports the Associated Press.
A Facebook profile believed to belong to Micheli recently posted a lengthy update saying how "Some people, even the strong faithful, have indeed waivered in their belief of me as being the Sun of God and their leader."
Elsewhere, people have paid tribute to Paavola following his death. Nashville restaurateur Randy Rayburn told the Tennessean he used to train with Paavola at another gym a few years ago. "Joel was one of the most enthusiastic and well-rounded people I've ever known in my life," Rayburn said. "He was just a wonderful father and human being."
A GoFundMe page to help raise money to support the 46-year-old's family has since gone on to raise more than $70,000.
"Joel Paavola was a phenomenal man, father, husband, and role model," Tyson Ford, who set up the fundraising page, wrote in its description.
"He was bright, happy go lucky, and never ceased to make you smile. He always put his family first and we want that to carry on after his unfortunate passing. His wife and 5 children were the most important and loved people in his life."
Police urge anyone who spots Micheli, who is likely still driving the Toyota, to immediately contact 615-862-8600 or their local law enforcement agency.
Update June 6 | Micheli has been arrested by Kentucky State Police on Interstate 65 near Bowling Green, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.
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