The Knoxville Police Department and Knox County Regional Forensic Center are seeking public assistance to help identify a woman whose remains were found in Knoxville in 2022.
On August 16, 2022, the remains of an unidentified woman were discovered in a wooded area around E. Fourth Avenue and Third Avenue in the 4th and Gill community.
As part of the ongoing effort to positively identify her, artists with the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) recently completed a facial composite of the victim. That composite is attached. DNA samples have also been submitted for forensic genetic genealogy testing.
It appears that the woman was around 5’1″ in height and between the ages of 35-55 with blonde hair. At the time of her death, she was wearing a black tank top, black leggings and a black hat with a Carhartt logo. KPD detectives and medical examiners with the Regional Forensic Center have ruled out multiple missing persons in the course of their efforts to identify her.
Anyone with information that could possibly assist in identification is asked to contact the Regional Forensic Center at 865-215-8000 or East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
Following the devastating flooding last week from Hurricane Helene, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti issues a stern warning to scammers and price gougers:
“While most Tennesseans are showing the best of the Volunteer spirit to our neighbors devastated by Helene, a few bad actors always slime out of the woodwork to take advantage of those in need,” said Tennessee Attorney General Skrmetti. “Price gouging and scamming vulnerable people after disasters is not only repulsive, it’s illegal. My office will not hesitate to enforce Tennessee’s consumer protection laws against any bad actor attempting to rip off Tennesseans recovering from the storm.”
The AG’s Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams. Many Tennesseans look to hire professionals to make repairs to damaged property, find a temporary shelter, or purchase essentials or other supplies while repairing homes or businesses. Others not directly affected by the flooding may want to donate money to help those in need. Although many people will lend a hand during challenging times, some will take advantage of the vulnerable position of survivors of natural disasters or the generosity of donors.
The following information provides helpful tips to reduce the chances of being scammed as you seek help for yourself and your loved ones or wish to donate to those in need.
Price Gouging
After natural disasters, bad actors unreasonably raise the prices of essential goods. In Tennessee, it is illegal to “unreasonably raise prices or unreasonably restrict supplies of essential goods, commodities or services” as a direct response to a natural disaster. Tennessee law also states that upon a declaration of economic disruption by the governor or executive order, people and businesses cannot charge a price that is grossly in excess of the price generally charged for any of the following types of goods or services:
“Repair or construction services,” which means services performed by any person for repairs to residential or commercial property of any type that is damaged as a result of a disaster or terrorist attack;
“Emergency supplies,” including water, flashlights, radios, batteries, candles, blankets, soap, diapers, temporary shelters, tape, toiletries, plywood, nails, and hammers;
“Medical supplies” including prescription and nonprescription medications, bandages, gauze, isopropyl alcohol, and antibacterial products;
“Consumer food items,” which means any article that is used or intended for use for food, drink, confection, or condiment by a person or animal;
“Building Materials” which means lumber, construction tools, windows, and anything else used in the building or rebuilding of property;
“Gasoline” which means any fuel used to power any motor vehicle or power tool;
“Transportation, freight, and storage services,” which means any service that is performed by any company that contracts to move, store, or transport personal or business property or rents equipment for those purposes;
“Housing” which means any rental housing leased on a month-to-month term; and
“Temporary healthcare staffing provided by a temporary healthcare staffing agency.”
Construction and Repair Scams
You should be wary of contractors who don’t have proper licensing to work on your home or property. Contractors in Tennessee are required to register and be licensed by the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Ask contractors offering services to provide the name they used to register with the Tennessee Board of Licensing Contractors. You can look up contractors you’re considering hiring to make sure that they are properly registered in Tennessee by searching the company name or contractor information here: https://search.cloud.commerce.tn.gov/ Another way to learn more about a contractor’s history of providing services is by searching the contractor’s name online along with the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaints,” and reviewing the results to see if others have complained about being scammed by a contractor. You can also search the BBB’s website for complaints and rating information about a contractor’s company.
You do not need to pay for the cost of home repairs in full upfront. Home improvement contractors in Tennessee are generally prohibited from charging more than one-third of the contract price for a deposit, except in certain specific instances. Home improvement contractors are also required to provide a written contract with the names of all parties executing the contract, the nature of the work being completed, the amount you are paying, and when the work will begin.
If your insurance is covering part or all of the cost of repairs, be sure to avoid signing over your entire insurance check or claim to the contractor before the work is completed. That helps ensure that the contractor completes the work, and you have a chance to give your approval.
When applying for assistance for home repairs, know that federal and state entities and reputable not-for-profits do not solicit or accept funds as a condition of providing emergency assistance. You are not required to pay a company to facilitate your application for assistance, but instead, you can submit the application yourself.
Charity Scams
Make sure your donations count and are going to the people who really need your help. You can research your charity by going to any of the following websites:
The Knoxville Police Department will partner with numerous local faith-based organizations for Faith & Blue Weekend 2024, which is set to be celebrated nationally October 11-14.
In recognition of Faith & Blue Weekend 2024, the KPD will take part in six separate events across the City through the end of October. Each of the department’s Field Operations Bureaus are hosting individual events, while the Investigations Bureau and Management Services Bureau are participating in events or initiatives.
The Faith & Blue events are designed to enhance the police-community bond by fostering new community partnerships and strengthening existing relationships.
Below is the list of upcoming Faith & Blue events and initiatives.
Friday, October 11, 2024
The Management Services Bureau is partnering with Callahan Road Baptist Church at 1317 Callahan Drive for an item drive to support the Newport, Tennessee community, which was devastated by historic flooding from Hurricane Helene.
Monday, October 14, 2024
In partnership with the Alliance for Community Transformation, the Field Operations East District will host an “Ice Cream Social” at the Jacob Building at 3301 E. Magnolia Avenue from 6-8 p.m. The event will include local entertainment as well as area resource and service providers.
Additionally, the Field Operations Central District will host a “Touch-a-Truck” event from 6-8 p.m. at Meridian Baptist Church, located at 6513 Chapman Highway. The event will include police, fire and other City vehicles for families to explore while interacting with members of those departments.
Wednesday, October 16, 2024
The Investigations Bureau will host a special Halloween-themed event for kids at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church at 2137 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue from 6-8 p.m. The event will include a mystery game for kids, candy and a cookout.
Thursday, October 17, 2024
For the second year in a row, the KPD will host a blessing of the department’s K-9s at Immaculate Conception Church on W. Vine Avenue. The blessing will be held at 9:30 a.m. outside of the front entrance of the church.
Friday, October 25, 2024
First Apostolic Church at 5020 Pleasant Ridge Road will host a trunk-or-treat event with representatives from the Field Operations West District in attendance. The event will run from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Community members and families are invited to attend or participate in any of this year’s Faith & Blue events.
“Last year’s Faith & Blue events were a huge success, and we are looking to top it this year,” Chief of Police Paul Noel said. “We value our community partnerships deeply, and Faith & Blue is an amazing opportunity for us to strengthen our connections in Knoxville.”
About Faith & Blue
Faith & Blue was launched to facilitate safer, stronger, more just and unified communities by directly enabling local partnerships among law enforcement professionals, residents, businesses and community groups through the connections of local faith-based organizations.
The initiative aims to re-calibrate police-community relations through solutions-focused, in-person, socially distanced and/or virtual activities that are organized jointly by faith-based or other community groups and law enforcement agencies.
Business and personal recovery assistance are available in the wake of Helene on uninsured or otherwise uncompensated disaster losses.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofits in the counties listed below are eligible for disaster loans with favorable terms to repair or replace real estate, equipment, inventory, and for working capital, future mitigation, etc.
Homeowners and renters are also eligible for disaster loan assistance to repair or replace a principal residence and personal property.
Counties included: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Unicoi, and Washington. They are eligible for coverage of both physical damage and economic injury as a result of the storm.
Contiguous Counties: Grainger, Hancock, Jefferson, Sevier and Sullivan. They are eligible for coverage of economic injury as a result of the storm.
From Friday, October 4, 2024 – Thursday, October 17, 2024, McGhee Tyson Airport is expecting higher than normal passenger numbers that will create longer lines at the airline and rental car counters as well as at the security checkpoint. It is imperative that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. Passenger levels will also impact parking and the airport is encouraging guests to visit https://flyknoxville.com/ before leaving for the airport to check on parking lot availability. The website offers real-time parking capacity options.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Emergency Disaster Services teams with Salvation Army of Kentucky & East Tennessee are providing meals and spiritual care Thursday to residents impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Salvation Army’s mobile feeding units will provide hot meals, snacks, and beverages to those affected by flooding, as well as to first responders.
“In addition to nourishment, our teams will offer emotional and spiritual care to those in need,” a news release stated. The meals will take place at the following locations:
Madisonville, TN (WOKI) A man in Monroe County is in prison accused of sexual assault.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says they started investigating complaints about a possible assault back in August at the Monroe County EMS station in Madisonville.
The TBI later determined Brian Keith Hodge assaulted the victim.
Agents arrested Hodge Wednesday, October 2; he is being housed at the Monroe County Jail on a $10,000 bond and was indicted on one count of sexual battery.
Hodge was taken into custody and is being housed at the Monroe County Jail on a $10,000 bond. (Courtesy: TBI)
Unicoi County, TN (WOKI) On Wednesday, the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed there have been more “weather-related” fatalities in East Tennessee, according to an announcement from TEMA.
There has been one death in Knox County in addition to one in Johnson County, four in Unicoi County, two in Cocke, one in Greene and two in Washington County.
TEMA also said there are 23 people missing in areas impacted by flooding, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. This is down from a peak exceeding 100.
As of Wednesday, there is one person missing in Carter County, two people in Johnson County, one each in Cocke and Hawkins counties, four in Greene, three people in Knox County, two in Sullivan, six people in Unicoi County and three people in Washington County.
Officials said there are more than 20 people missing in upper East Tennessee. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Nashville, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued a temporary water contact advisory after the flooding caused by Hurricane Helene.
“In the aftermath of unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Helene, several wastewater treatment plants have been compromised and are temporarily unable to completely treat effluent before it enters receiving waters. In addition, sewer line crossings may have been severed or damaged allowing raw sewage to enter streams, and individual septic systems may be compromised across the region.” – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Officials said the warning was out of an abundance of caution and not based upon specific water quality data.
This advisory includes surface waters in the Nolichucky, French Broad, Pigeon, Doe, and Watauga River as well as any other flooded areas.
They assumed the floodwater is carrying bacteria and should be avoided. If you come into contact with it, wash the area with clean water and soap as soon as possible.
“The health of our citizens is top priority at TDEC, and we urge everyone in these areas to follow this advisory,” TDEC Commissioner David Salyers said.
Officials said they were staying in contact with local facilities to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation said the warning was issued out of an abundance of caution and not based on specific water quality data. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) UPATE: The Knoxville Police Department is asking for information following what they say was a “targeted” shooting overnight resulting in a fatality.
KPD says officers responded around 10:15 p.m. to the report of a shooting in the 1900 block of Minnesota Avenue finding 41-year-old Carlos Cozart Yarbrough who had been shot at least one time; he was taken to UT Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.
Police say it’s believed that the suspect came out from behind some nearby dumpsters, firing into a group that was in a parking lot.
“The shooting appears to be targeted, but there is no evidence to suggest that the victim was the intended target,” KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland said.
At this time, Erland said, detectives are looking at surveillance video and recanvassing the area.
A suspect has yet to be identified. Anyone with information is being asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165 or the KPD directly at 865-215-7317.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Knoxville Police Department is asking for information following a deadly shooting late Tuesday night in northwest Knoxville.
KPD says a suspect has yet to be identified in the shooting which occurred around 10:15 p.m. in a a parking lot near Minnesota Avenue and Pascal Drive.
Officers responding to the scene reportedly found a 41-year-old man who had been shot at least one time; he was taken to UT Medical Center, where he died as a result of his injuries.
Anyone with information is being asked to call East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165.
The man was taken to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he died, KPD said. (Courtesy: KPD)
