Investigators have identified skeletal remains found in Knoxville nearly two years ago.
In November 2022, skeletal remains were found by a tree trimming service which were sent to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center.
Experts determined the person was a man and in December, investigators entered details on the case into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System but the case went cold due to a lack of leads.
Last year, the Knox County Regional Forensic Center sent the remains to an out of state lab who identified the remains as 33 year-old Cody Wilhite who had been missing from the Knoxville area since 2020.
Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen says a man is sentenced after he assaulted a woman, begged her not to tell the police, and then claimed she beat herself up.
Knoxville Police Officers went to Tennova North Medical Center for an assault call on Whittle Springs Road in November 2022.
Officers spoke to the victim who says over the course of four hours, Sanders strangled and punched her, knocked her to the ground and kicked her repeatedly before urinating on her.
She was treated for several injuries at the hospital and Sanders reportedly texted her “begging her to not call the police”.
Sanders, who’s been convicted of aggravated assault and domestic assault, was sentenced to three years behind bars.
It was a strange week across all of college football, with four teams ranked in the top 11 losing to unranked opponents, including the Tennessee Vols.
It’s led to quite a shakeup in the latest AP Poll rankings, Tennessee dropped four spots to number 8 in the country after enduring a 19-14 loss to unranked Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Alabama suffered a head-scratching 40-35 loss to Vanderbilt, dropping them from No. 1 down to No. 7.
The Vols take on the Gators on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Neyland Stadium. You can listen on our sister stations WIVK or WNML. You can watch on ESPN.
Smokey taking a run down the field during a Vols football game.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 4/4 Tennessee fell to Arkansas, 19-14, in a low-scoring affair on the road at DWR Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday night.
After falling behind 14-3 in the third quarter, the Razorbacks scored the final 16 points of the game to pull out the victory and hand the Volunteers their first loss of the season, snapping a six-game winning streak in the process.
A last-ditch effort on the final drive came up just short as the Volunteers were stopped on fourth-and-5 from the 21-yard line on the final play of the game.
UT’s defense put forth another solid effort but came up one stop short as Arkansas scored on their final possession of the game to pull ahead for the first time in the second half. The Vols racked up seven tackles for loss, led by James Pearce Jr. (2.0) and Arion Carter (1.5), who were two of nine different players to post at least half a tackle for loss.
Despite the offensive struggles overall, Dylan Sampson was a bright spot once again. The junior running back recorded his fourth 100-yard rushing performance of the year and the eighth of his career, finishing with a career-high 140 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries.
Sampson led a third-quarter offensive surge with a pair of touchdowns on UT’s first two possessions of the half. In those two drives, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native carried the ball six times for 77 yards before plunging into the end zone to finish off both possessions.
His two rushing touchdowns increased his total to 12 on the year, which ties eight other players for the 10th most in program history in a single season. His 25 career rushing scores is tied for 10th in UT history with Jay Graham (1993-96) and Jimmy Streater (1976-79).
The Big Orange nearly matched their entire offensive yardage output in the first half on the opening drive of the second half, when they marched 75 yards on seven plays before Sampson punched it in from four yards out to put the Vols ahead 7-3 following the extra point.
Sampson’s 53-yard scamper on third-and-4 one play prior set up Tennessee’s first score. His second rushing touchdown also came from four yards out and gave the Vols a 14-3 lead midway through the third quarter, but that was all they could muster points wise for the remainder of the contest.
The Vols were held scoreless in the first half for the first time under Heupel, but thanks to a gritty effort from the defense, only trailed 3-0 entering the half.
The Hogs opened the game with a 20-yard field goal after a 16-play, 74-yard drive that ate up 9:12 of clock, but were held scoreless for the remainder of the half, thanks in large part to a pair of fourth down stops by UT’s defense inside of its own 35-yard line.
Tennessee racked up four tackles for loss and had three players post season highs in tackles in the opening 30 minutes as Keenan Pili led the way with seven, followed closely by Will Brooks (six) and Pearce Jr. (five).
Three Vols finished with career highs in tackles in Brooks (10), Pearce Jr. (nine) and Carter (eight), while Pili led all players with a game-high 14 stops, the most in a game during his UT career.
After jumping ahead 14-3 midway through the third quarter, the Vols failed to score on their final five possessions after recording back-to-back touchdowns to start the second half.
Tennessee will look to bounce back when it returns to Knoxville to kick off a four-game homestand next Saturday night against Florida at 7 p.m. ET. The game will be televised by ESPN.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Jaida Thomas tallied her 40th career goal in her first start of the year Friday night against Missouri to give the Lady Vols a 1-0 win.
Thomas is only one of two Volunteers to bag 40 goals in her collegiate career and currently sits second all-time in program history behind Kylee Rossi (43).
The Dallas, Texas, native also recorded her 12th career game-winner and is currently fourth-all time in school history in career game-winning goals.
Tennessee (7-1-3), also tallied their seventh clean sheet on the year, which extends UT’s current unbeaten streak to 10 matches and home unbeaten streak to eight.
The Big Orange also controlled most of the game with a 72 percent possession rate and held Missouri (3-7-2) to just seven total shots.
The Lady Vols got off to a hot start offensively, registering seven corners and five shots in the first half.
In the 21st minute, UT found a breakthrough off a corner, after a ball that found Ally Brown. Brown poked the ball across goal to give Thomas a tap-in for her first goal of the season.
The second half was the standard defensive onslaught the Lady Vols have produced a majority of the season, holding the Tigers to only three shots while also allowing only one corner kick.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 4/4 Tennessee will look to extend its winning streak to seven consecutive games when it hits the road for another primetime night clash this Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Volunteers are off to a 4-0 start following a 25-15 road victory over then ranked No. 15 Oklahoma to open SEC play two weeks ago and should be well-rested after coming off the first of two open weeks this season.
BROADCAST INFO
For the third time this season, the ABC primetime crew of Chris Fowler (PxP), Kirk Herbstreit (analyst) and Holly Rowe (sideline reporter) will have the call for Saturday’s game. Kickoff is slated for 7:44 p.m. ET.
UT fans can listen to Tennessee’s official radio broadcast on the Vol Network (Local: WIVK-FM 107.7/WNML-FM 99.1) over 65 stations across the state of Tennessee and the southeast, SiriusXM (Ch. 84) and the SiriusXM app (Ch. 84), as well as the Varsity App. A live audio stream of the broadcast will also be available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App. Fans attending the game are encouraged to listen to the radio broadcast via the Vol Network Stadiumcast on 100.3 FM.
Bob Kesling (PxP), VFL Pat Ryan (analyst) and Brent Hubbs (analyst) will call the action, with VFL Jayson Swain handling sideline duties for the Vol Network radio broadcast. The Big Orange Countdown pregame show begins two hours prior to kickoff at 5:30 p.m. The pregame show is hosted by John Wilkerson, Brent Hubbs, VFL Jayson Swain and a rotating VFL special guest each week. The Vol Network celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024.
The Spanish broadcast is available locally on WNML-AM 990 with Carlos Lopez (play-by-play) and VFL Fuad Reveiz on the call. That version is also available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics app.
NEED TO KNOW
Open Week Success Under Heupel Josh Heupel owns an 8-1 record in games played after an open week in his six previous seasons as a head coach, including a 3-0 mark at Tennessee and a 5-1 record at UCF. The Vols are 85-49-9 all-time after open dates and 51-35-2 after open weeks in league play. UT has outscored opponents 105-68 under Heupel following open dates with wins at No. 18 Kentucky (2021), at No. 25 LSU (2022) and versus Texas A&M (2023).
Vols on the Road Again Looking to Continue Fast Start Tennessee will play its second straight SEC road game in primetime when it squares off with the Razorbacks at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
The Vols are off to a 4-0 start for the second time in three seasons under Heupel and have won six straight games dating back to last season’s Nov. 25 contest against Vanderbilt. That is the fourth-longest current streak in the nation behind Missouri (8), Army (8) and Duke (7). All six wins have come by double-digits. UT is seeking its first 5-0 start since 2022, Heupel’s second year.
Ranking Among the Nation’s Best Tennessee heads into this weekend’s game ranked in the top five nationally in 11 major categories: scoring offense (1st – 54.0), total defense (1st – 176.0), yards per play allowed (1st – 3.13), third-down defense (1st – 17.0), first down defense (1st – 11.0), scoring defense (2nd – 7.0), rushing defense (2nd – 50.8), total offense (3rd – 565.8), kickoff return defense (3rd – 5.0), pass defense (4th – 125.3) and rushing offense (4th – 290.0).
The Vols are the only team in the country boasting a top five scoring offense, scoring defense, total offense and total defense. The Big Orange have surrendered the fewest offensive touchdowns in the country this season (2), and both came in the fourth quarter at Oklahoma – 2-yard pass and 1-yard rush. The other touchdown scored on UT this year was an 87-yard interception return by NC State. Opponents have failed to score an offensive touchdown in 19 out of the last 20 quarters played against Tennessee.
Playing with the Lead UT is one of four FBS programs who have not trailed this season, joining Texas, Indiana and Army. The Vols have not trailed in 24 straight quarters dating back to last season’s Vanderbilt game. The last time Tennessee trailed was when it lost to top-ranked Georgia on Nov. 18, 2023. The Vols have led for 202 minutes and 53 seconds of game action this season and are outscoring opponents 216-28. That plus-188 point differential is currently the best in the nation and the seventh-best by an FBS team through four games since 2000. Tennessee is also outscoring opponents 149-6 in the first half this season.
SERIES HISTORY
Tennessee leads series, 13-6 Tennessee and Arkansas are meeting for the 20th time and the first time in Fayetteville since the COVID-shortened season of 2020. The Vols lead the all-time series 13-6, but the Razorbacks have captured the last three meetings.
The Big Orange will be looking for their first win over Arkansas since a 34-13 victory in Knoxville in 2007. UT’s last road win in the series was a 13-3 triumph in 2001.
ABOUT ARKANSAS
The Razorbacks are led by fifth year head coach Sam Pittman, who owns a 26-27 overall record during his tenure in Fayetteville. Arkansas enters the game ranked fourth in the SEC in total offense (495.0 ypg) and also boasts a stout rushing defense that is limiting opponents to just 93.0 yards per game on the ground. The Hogs have also been opportunistic with six interceptions this season, which is tied for third most in the conference.
Redshirt junior quarterback Taylen Green has been the catalyst for the Razorbacks’ offense, ranking fifth in the SEC in passing yards per game (247.2) while also entering the contest as the team’s second-leading rusher with 331 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. The Boise State transfer has thrown five touchdown passes but has also been intercepted five times and is completing just 54.3 percent of his pass attempts. Utah transfer running back Ja’Quinden Jackson has been a key playmaker, as well, having already found the end zone nine times while ranking third in the league in rushing yards per game (101.8).
Veteran linebacker Xavian Sorey Jr. leads the defense with a team-high 32 total tackles and four tackles for loss, including a sack. Sophomore safety TJ Metcalf is tied for the SEC lead and third in the FBS with three interceptions and is the Razorbacks’ second-leading tackler with 29 stops on the year.
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.
Investigators have identified skeletal remains found in Knoxville nearly two years ago. In November 2022, skeletal remains were found by a tree trimming service which were sent to the Knox County Regional Forensic Center. Experts determined the person was a man and in December, investigators entered details on the case into the National Missing and…… Continue Reading
Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen says a man is sentenced after he assaulted a woman, begged her not to tell the police, and then claimed she beat herself up. Knoxville Police Officers went to Tennova North Medical Center for an assault call on Whittle Springs Road in November 2022. Officers spoke to the victim…… Continue Reading
It was a strange week across all of college football, with four teams ranked in the top 11 losing to unranked opponents, including the Tennessee Vols. It’s led to quite a shakeup in the latest AP Poll rankings, Tennessee dropped four spots to number 8 in the country after enduring a 19-14 loss to unranked…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 6, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
Game Recap: Football | October 05, 2024 FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 4/4 Tennessee fell to Arkansas, 19-14, in a low-scoring affair on the road at DWR Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville on Saturday night. After falling behind 14-3 in the third quarter, the Razorbacks scored the final 16 points of the game to pull out the victory and…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 5, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
Game Recap: Soccer | October 04, 2024 KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Jaida Thomas tallied her 40th career goal in her first start of the year Friday night against Missouri to give the Lady Vols a 1-0 win. Thomas is only one of two Volunteers to bag 40 goals in her collegiate career and currently sits second all-time in program history…… Continue Reading
Posted on October 5, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
FootballOctober 04, 2024 FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – No. 4/4 Tennessee will look to extend its winning streak to seven consecutive games when it hits the road for another primetime night clash this Saturday against the Arkansas Razorbacks. MORE INFO GAMEDAY & BROADCAST INFO #4/4 TENNESSEE (4-0 | 1-0 SEC) Game Notes Roster Schedule Stats Record Book ARKANSAS (3-2 | 1-1 SEC)…… Continue Reading
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…… Continue Reading
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…… Continue Reading
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…… Continue Reading
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…… Continue Reading
