Suspect in double murder case indicted

The victims in the case are Steven Groover and Cindy Scruggs. Their bodies were found at Groover’s home at 662 Buck Creek Road on May 16, 2022.

“Steven Groover was found laying face down on the living room floor and Cindy Scruggs was found laying on her back in the back bedroom on the floor next to the bed,” a warrant filed in the case said. “Both victims had multiple stab wounds on their bodies.”

Wright, 48, was indicted by the grand jury on Feb. 13. His trial date is tentatively set for April 2, 2024.

Bloody fingerprints found on evidence in the case matched Wright’s, according to the warrant.

“On July 8, 2022, an agent from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s laboratory called Lt. (Art) Wolff and notified him that the bloody fingerprint found on a bank statement in Mr. Groover’s truck was a match to Lonnie Dale Wright’s fingerprint,” the warrant said. “On July 19, 2022, a report from the TBI lab was received confirming that Lonnie Dale Wright’s right index fingerprint was found in blood on the State Farm bill that was located inside of Groover’s vehicle.”

Groover was 67. Scruggs was 62.

“It is believed Steven Groover and Cindy Scruggs fought with Mr. Wright trying to stop the robbery, but were killed during the robbery by Lonnie Wright,” the warrant said. “Lonnie Wright searched the residence and Steven Groover’s truck looking for cash leaving his bloody fingerprint on at least the State Farm bill.”

Wright was arrested on July 25, 2022. He remains in jail while the case is pending.

Judge Jeff Wicks is presiding over the case in Roane County Criminal Court.