KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has been retained by the family of David Batts, a 46-year-old Knoxville man who tragically died on January 8, 2025, after being brutally beaten and tased by officers at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility. Batts had been taken into custody on January 7, where his family believes he suffered severe abuse, leaving him with extensive injuries and a swollen face.

Attorney Crump issued the following statement:

“The death of David Batts is an example of unchecked brutality within the justice system. His family deserves answers, accountability, and justice for this horrific loss. We demand the immediate release of all footage related to David’s death to ensure transparency and hold those involved responsible for this tragedy.”

This comes after Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen says she will not be ordering an investigation into the death of David Batts, who died after being injured by officers inside Knox County’s Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility.

Allen says no further criminal investigation by the TBI into the death of Mr. Batts is required because the Medical Examiner’s Preliminary Autopsy Report found that Mr. Batts’ death was not caused by trauma or injury but meningitis.

In addition, urinalysis revealed the presence of fentanyl in Batts’ system. The full autopsy has not yet been released.