Fundraiser today in Crossville benefits family of Nikki Burgess

 1552215_1402875242.5049A weekend fundraiser will benefit the two children of missing Hermitage mother Nichole “Nikki” Burgess.

The event will be held Saturday noon till Midnight at the Blind Zebra Sports Bar & Grill located on Highway 70 East in Crossville.

Burgess’ best friend, Stevie Blainey, and other friends helped put together the benefit.

Cannon, the father of Burgess’ 10-year-old son, has been named a person of interest in the case.

Police have searched Cannon’s home in Anderson County outside Knoxville. Several weapons including a gun and an axe were recovered.

Detectives said they have reason to believe Burgess is dead due to the presence of human decomposition detected in both her home and in the trunk of Cannon’s car, but her body has not been found.

Blood-stained bedding, brass knuckles and empty bottles of cleaner were also recovered from the woman’s home.

While Cannon remains a person of interest, charges have yet to be filed.

A GoFundMe page is also set up in Burgess’ honor. Those who cannot attend the benefit can help through that page.