Latest news with #KnoxCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
No traffic fatalities in Knox County on Memorial Day weekend, sheriff's office says
KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — The Knox County Sheriff's Office released traffic statistics for Memorial Day weekend showing no traffic fatalities and no traffic accidents involving alcohol. The numbers are from 6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Tuesday. During that time, there were 16 traffic accidents, five of which involved injuries, KCSO said. New speed cameras coming to Knoxville school zones following City Council approval Over that period, KCSO issued 287 citations, responded to six instances of driving under the influence and made 57 other arrests, the office reported. KCSO also assisted 25 motorists. 'We are proud of the hard work and commitment displayed by our Patrol Divisions throughout the holiday weekend,' said Sheriff Tom Spangler. 'Their dedication to keeping our roads safe was truly commendable. Thank you to everyone for your cooperation and vigilance. Together, we can continue to ensure the safety of our community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Fallen heroes' Local police, sheriff's offices post for Memorial Day
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Multiple local law enforcement offices posted Monday in observance of Memorial Day. 'Today, we pause to honor the true meaning of Memorial Day – a day of remembrance for the courageous men and women who have laid down their lives in service to our country,' the Knox County Sheriff's Office wrote. 'Their valor and selflessness have paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy today.' Families and volunteers place flags to honor veterans on Memorial Day weekend The Madisonville Police Department, meanwhile, asked people to never forget the country's 'fallen heroes,' while other groups posted graphics like the Claiborne County Sheriff's Office which shared an image of marching soldiers and a graveyard of white crosses beneath the words 'Always Remember…' The Cocke County Sheriff's Office posted a quote from the popular song 'God Bless the U.S.A.' by Lee Greenwood: 'And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.' Gold Star Father shares about his veteran son while taking the last Smoky Mountain Thunder Memorial Ride 'Today, we remember and honor all who served and currently serve, as well as those who paid the ultimate sacrifice,' the University of Tennessee Police Department wrote. 'From our family to yours, we hope you have a safe and healthy Memorial Day.' 'Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness have secured the freedoms we cherish every day.' Anderson County Sheriff's Office Many other law enforcement groups posted as well. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Yahoo
Knoxville man arrested, charged in Sevier County car burglaries
SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE) — A Knoxville man is facing several charges, including seven counts of burglary, in connection to a string of car burglaries that happened in the New Center community earlier this month. The Sevier County Sheriff's Office said Brian Jamar Underwood, 44, was arrested Tuesday on charges of burglary, vandalism, fraudulent use of a credit or debit card, forgery, and theft of property. Jury reaches verdict in trial of Knoxville man accused of killing his former boss On May 5, sheriff's deputies investigated several car burglaries that took place overnight in the New Center Community. Through community cooperation, investigators were able to identify a suspect and suspect vehicle in the case, leading to a joint investigation between the Sevier County Sheriff's Office, Knox County Sheriff's Office and the Sevierville Police Department. Underwood is currently being held at the Sevier County Jail, pending a hearing in General Sessions Court. 'Makes you proud to be an American': Veterans running across US reach East TN 'Thank you to the folks from the New Center Community for their continued cooperation, which assisted in the apprehension of the person responsible for these crimes. Our Detectives worked diligently to solve these cases, and we are grateful for the assistance of our partner agencies,' Sevier County Sheriff Michael Hodges, Jr. wrote. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
16-05-2025
DNA leads to arrest in graduate student's 2004 murder after years-long investigation
University of Tennessee graduate student Johnia Berry was brutally stabbed to death in her Knoxville apartment in 2004, in a case that remained unsolved for years. The 21-year-old was fatally injured in her apartment around 4 a.m. on Dec. 6, 2004, after an intruder entered and stabbed her repeatedly. The attack woke her roommate, Jason Aymami, who was also stabbed when he emerged from his bedroom. Despite his injuries, he managed to escape to a nearby convenience store and call 911. Berry, who was found clinging to life in the entryway of her apartment complex, died in the ambulance before reaching the hospital. A new "20/20" episode, "Blood on the Door," airing Friday, May 9, at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and streaming next day on Hulu. You can also get more behind-the-scenes of each week's episode by listening to "20/20: The After Show" weekly series right on your "20/20" podcast feed on Mondays, hosted by "20/20" co-anchor Deborah Roberts. The first thing that stood out to police at the scene was the amount of blood at the crime scene -- officers found blood spatter on the doorknob, the floor and the bedroom door. "Could it have been a friend of theirs that was in the apartment?" Knox County Sheriff's Office Captain Brad Hall told "20/20." "Was it somebody that had gotten upset with Jason or Johnia? There's a lot of different theories that were being thought about, of what could have happened." Investigators discovered the knife used in the stabbing in the hallway outside Berry's bedroom. "What stood out to me the most about the weapon is how damaged it was," Knox County Sheriff's Office Detective AmyLynn Delgado told "20/20." "It was a small steak knife, but the handle was broken. The blade was bent. I could only assume that it had hit bone, that it was used multiple times, that it was very violent, just given the force to break the handle." The autopsy revealed Berry had been stabbed approximately 26 times, with wounds to her neck, head, face, chest, back and legs. Due to the number of times Berry had been stabbed, detectives believed the attack was personal. They thought the assailant was likely someone who knew her and wanted her dead. "We really focused mostly on her closest circle," Delgado said. Berry's fiancé was cleared after investigators found cell phone records confirmed he was in Michigan at the time of the murder. Investigators then turned their attention to her roommate, Aymami. When questioned about his relationship with Berry, Aymami said there was no romantic interest. Aymami told investigators he had been watching TV when Berry went to bed that night. During his interview, he provided crucial information: he had seen the killer face-to-face. Based on Aymami's description, investigators created a composite sketch of the suspect, which generated significant public interest. Detectives ultimately cleared Aymami. "We called every day," Berry's mother Joan Berry told "20/20." "We would call the detectives. There was that feeling that detectives and the sheriff's office weren't doing enough, when in reality they were working this every day. There just weren't any answers." The case remained unsolved for several years, despite numerous tips and offered rewards. The breakthrough came in April 2007, when someone who recognized the composite sketch on a billboard contacted police. That tip led police to Taylor Lee Olson, a man in his early 20s with a history of petty crimes. While Olson initially denied involvement, investigators determined that his DNA matched evidence taken from various locations inside and outside the apartment. Olson ultimately confessed under questioning. He admitted to entering Berry's apartment through an unlocked back door, saying he was looking for car keys during an attempted theft, according to officials. He was charged with felony murder, first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and aggravated burglary. Before the case could go to trial however, it took a final dark twist. "I got a call the Monday after Easter that he had been found in his jail cell," Kevin Allen, a Knox County assistant district attorney general, told "20/20." "That he had fashioned a ligature with sheets and had hung himself."
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
Attorney calls for answers after 18-year-old killed in SWAT raid
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is calling for answers after an 18-year-old was shot and killed during a SWAT raid. Daevon Montez Saint-Germain was shot on the morning of January 3, 2025, at a Sevierville Pike house, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office. Crump, co-counsel Troy Jones and the family of Saint-Germain are scheduled to hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday 'to demand justice and accountability' for Saint-Germain's death. Family of man who died in Knox County custody to announce legal action According to arrest warrants, Saint-Germain, a Black high school student had posted several pictures on Instagram showing large amounts of marijuana and money. It also says that he wrote on Instagram about selling narcotics at school. The investigators also said that he was an associate of the Murdaville Maria street gangs which are a subset of the 98 Main Street Mafia Crips, which primarily operates in the Montgomery Village housing development. The following items were seized inside Saint-Germain's house according to one warrant: 'Bulk marijuana from [a] grow in basement,' Ten bags of a brown powder that tested positive for the drug MDMA Multiple cell phones A rifle Two handguns During the raid, officers repeatedly announced, 'Sheriff's Office Search Warrant,' according to the office of the Sixth Judicial District Attorney General. They say that Saint-Germain then exited his bedroom with an assault rifle. Officers tried to gain control of him and the gun, but when Saint-Germain pointed the weapon at the officers, they fired, killing him, the DA's office reported. No charges were filed because the DA ruled it self-defense. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation investigated the incident. Body found along Highway 61, Roane County Sheriff's Office says 'Daevon was shot nine times,' Crump's firm wrote. 'Crump and the legal team will call for answers from law enforcement and public officials, and denounce the dangerous raid that ended a young life before it even had a chance to begin.' Crump also represented the families of George Floyd and Trayvon Martin. He is also representing the family of David Batts, Sr. who died after being in Knox County custody. On Wednesday, they announced legal action against the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
