Deadly Student-Teacher-Husband Love Triangle

(Knoxville, Tennessee) A 31-year-old man, Eric McLean, is in jail without bond for the alleged murder of 18-year-old Sean Powell, a student reported to have had a sexual relationship with West High School teacher Erin McLean, Eric's wife. Authorities indicated that Powell was sitting in a car last Saturday night in front of the McLean residence when Eric shot him in the head.

According to Knoxville Police Department Investigator Andrew Boatman, McLean called 911 to report an intruder and told Powell that he didn't want him on the property.

"The (911) dispatcher asked him why he was having a conversation with the intruder," Boatman said. "He said, 'I believe this kid has been stalking my wife.'

"He told the dispatcher it was all right, that the guy was leaving."

Seven minutes later, at 9:22 p.m., Erin McLean called E-911 to report her husband had just shot a man, Boatman said. Police found Powell shot once in the head sitting in the older model Mercedes his adoptive parents had bought him on his 18th birthday.

"At this point, I don't believe there was any kind of struggle in the house," Boatman said.

Eric McLean's attorney, Bruce Poston, acknowledged that McLean killed Powell. All that needs to be determined are the circumstances of the slaying.

Erin McLean, 30, has been silent about the situation and has hired an attorney. She has not been charged in the case thus far. Police are continuing to investigate. The University of Tennessee put her on indefinite leave from her teaching internship and told her to stay away from West High School.

Sean Powell was buried yesterday. Over 150 friends and acquaintances attended his funeral.

Tip: Don Morgenstern


[Update 03/21/07]

Sources today report that Erin McLean took a possible overdose of medication last Thursday and had to be hospitalized. Officially, the case has been classified as a suicide attempt.

Erin McLean has since been released from the hospital.


[Update 09/27/07]

Erin McLean fired from new teaching position for "inappropriate contact" with male teen.