Merv Conley Rogers, 62 (Courtesy: DA Charme Allen's Office)

Knoxville Man Faces Decades in Prison for Kidnapping, Assault Charges, DA Says

Posted on August 29, 2024

Knoxville, TN (WOKI) A Knoxville man has been sentenced to decades in prison in a kidnapping and assault case from 2023.

The District Attorney’s office says 62-year-old Merv Conley Rodgers was convicted of especially aggravated kidnapping, domestic assault and two counts of aggravated assault in connection to a fight with his girlfriend in June 2023.

According to court records, the fight got out of control, and Rodgers ended up strangling his girlfriend multiple times, hitting her with a baseball bat and keeping her inside the van he was living in overnight against her will.

He was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

*Merv Conley Rogers,* 62 (*Courtesy: DA Charme Allen’s Office*)

Country News

Following the quick sell-out of Zach Bryan’s BST Hyde Park show in London, the country superstar officially announced a second date as part of the 2025 summer concert series. In addition to Bryan’s previously announced show on Saturday, June 28, he just added a second Hyde Park date on Sunday, June 29. Bryan shared his…

Zach Bryan Announces Second Show In London’s Hyde Park, After First Date Quickly Sells Out

In a new YouTube video posted on Tuesday (October 29), Oliver Anthony revealed that he is going to distance himself from the music industry. Anthony says he will still continue to write songs, but he will focus most of his creative efforts on traveling ministry work instead. This move comes a little over one year…

Oliver Anthony Says He’s Leaving Music Industry Only 14 Months After Success Of “Rich Men North Of Richmond”

During Kelsea Ballerini’s triumphant Patterns record release show at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday (October 29), the country superstar was overcome with emotion during her performance of the poignant tune, “Penthouse.” The song features lyrics that candidly address her divorce while also mentioning her beloved dog, Dibs, who has recently been diagnosed with inoperable heart…

Madison Square Garden Crowd Helps Kelsea Ballerini Sing After She Breaks Down Crying About Her Dog

Following his performance on The Today Show on Wednesday (October 30), Keith Urban took time to personally thank his fans for their continuing support following the death of his wife Nicole Kidman’s mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, in September. Urban performed a trio of songs during the show, "Chuck Taylors," "Messed Up as Me," and "Somewhere…

Keith Urban Reveals That He And Wife Nicole Kidman Struggle With Grief Over Her Mom’s Death

A star-studded televised benefit for Hurricane Helene and Milton relief is set to air on November 2 on both CBS and CMT. The one-hour special, titled The United Way Benefit for Hurricane Relief, will raise recovery funds for those affected by the recent storms, and will feature appearances by Backstreet Boys, Blake Shelton, Taye Diggs,…