Latest news with #KnoxCountySheriff'sOffice
Fox News
08-07-2025
- Fox News
Paddleboarder's mysterious killing rocks quiet summer vacation area
Investigators are asking for the public's help after a Maine paddleboarder visiting a local pond was found murdered last week. Around 1 a.m. July 3, Maine game wardens were called to assist the Knox County Sheriff's Office and Union Fire Department in the search for a missing paddleboarder who disappeared while visiting Crawford Pond, according to a press release from the Maine State Police (MSP). The search subsequently led to the discovery of female human remains, with the circumstances surrounding the death leading officials to request the assistance of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central. The woman has been identified as 48-year-old Sunshine Stewart of nearby Tenants Harbor, according to MSP. An autopsy revealed Stewart was the victim of a homicide, but her cause of death has not been released. The pond is a popular fishing location within the area with a maximum depth of 57 feet, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have information regarding Stewart's death to contact the Maine State Police by calling (207)-624-7076. MSP and the Knox County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The discovery comes as fears surrounding a possible serial killer are gripping the New England region following a string of unexplained deaths in recent months. Last month, authorities announced the body of Adriana Suazo, a 21-year-old Boston resident, had been found in a wooded area in Milton, Massachusetts, according to the Norfolk District Attorney's Office. Suazo's body showed no signs of trauma and the cause of death remains under investigation by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. At least 13 bodies have been recovered throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Maine, with many of them found in remote or wooded areas, since March 2025. However, law enforcement agencies within the region have continued to push back against the theory that the deaths are due to a serial killer. "As always, members of the public are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement," MSP said in a statement. "Additional information will be released when it becomes appropriate to do so based on the progress of the investigation."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- 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
26-05-2025
- 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."
