Anderson County, TN (WOKI) An Oak Ridge man was found guilty Monday, August 19 of several counts in a grisly Anderson County rape and murder case.
Sean Finnegan faced several charges, including first-degree murder, rape and abuse of a corpse.
The charges stem from a 2020 investigation, during which police said Finnegan and his girlfriend, Rebecca Dishman, held 36-year-old Jennifer Paxton inside their home, torturing and raping her for days before finally killing her.
The jury reconvenes Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m. for the sentencing phase of the trial; Finnegan could face the death penalty.
Sean Finnegan, 56 (Courtesy: Anderson County Sheriff’s Office)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With classes underway and the preseason winding down, No. 15 Tennessee will use this week as a mock game week before turning its full attention towards preparation for the 2024 season opener against Chattanooga on Aug. 31 at Neyland Stadium.
“Wrapping up training camp today, guys are off to class,” head coach Josh Heupel said during his Monday press conference. “You can feel the energy with all the students coming back to campus. A couple of weeks, a little bit less than that, until we go kick off in Neyland Stadium.”
While there is still plenty of work to be done prior to gameday, Heupel was confident in the work that has been put in throughout preseason camp.
“Love what we have done throughout the course of training camp,” Heupel said. “You have seen individuals get better throughout the course of it, you have seen units get better.
“I think during the course of training camp, individual growth, fundamentals, technique, alignment, assignment – you have seen steady growth. None of that is going to be monumental in one day. It’s continuing to take the right steps every single day. This group plays extremely hard. They compete extremely hard, they are really consistent in that.”
Despite preseason camp being in the rearview mirror, competition for playing time and roles in a variety of position groups is at an all-time high.
“No depth chart being handed out yet,” Heupel said on Monday. “As we head into this week, there is still a lot of competition. I have said it to our team since January, our coaches included, I think I have mentioned it to you guys too, we need to have multiple guys ready to play (at every position).”
One of the position battles with the most intrigue heading into the season is at STAR, where Heupel and defensive coordinator Tim Banks will look to fill the void of Jourdan Thomas, who will miss the entire season as he recovers from an injury sustained during fall camp.
Junior Christian Harrison and true freshman Boo Carter, who was tabbed a preseason Freshman All-American on Monday by On3, are the two frontrunners for the job heading into the season opener against the in-state Mocs.
“With Jourdan going down, Christian playing there, Boo Carter — you guys have asked about him too — both of those guys have done a great job of growing in the fundamentals of playing the position, the communication that takes place there with the guys beside them, back behind them, making plays,” Heupel said. “Really excited about what both of those guys have done on the practice field up until this point, and both of those guys will play a lot of ball.”
The Vols have an off day tomorrow before getting back to work on Wednesday at Haslam Field.
Extremely limited tickets for UT’s season opener against Chattanooga still remain and can be purchased by visiting AllVols.com, so don’t miss your chance to see the Big Orange in action to open the 2024 campaign at Neyland Stadium.
Opening statement… “Wrapping up training camp today, guys are off to class. You can feel the energy with all the students coming back to campus. A couple of weeks, a little bit less than that, until we go kick off in Neyland Stadium. Love what we have done throughout the course of training camp. You have seen individuals get better throughout the course of it, you have seen units get better. Good teams get better throughout the course of the season. We still have a lot of things we have to clean up before we get ready to go play. Competitive group, like what they have done.”
On what he has learned most about the team throughout fall camp… “I think during the course of training camp, individual growth, fundamentals, technique, alignment, assignment – you have seen steady growth. None of that is going to be monumental in one day. It’s continuing to take the right steps every single day. This group plays extremely hard. They compete extremely hard, they are really consistent in that. Been really physical, so I like that part of our football team right now. As you get into the season, I think everybody grasping their role, working and competing for the role that they want. At the same time, growing as a player is really important, and keeping your team chemistry that you have built is really important as well. Those are things that as you embark on the season here at this point, you get ready to go play. Your coaches and players have to do a great job.”
On Nico Iamaleava’s status and the overall health of the team… “He’s fine. Had a stomach bug. He’s been out on the field here the last couple days, so he’s great. As a football team, healthy. At the same time, you look at training camp, the physical grind of it. There are some guys that have to continue to be at their best by the time we get to kickoff, but that’s always true this time of year.”
On transitioning from camp to a mock game week… “You’ll get into some of the structure, some of the things that you maybe don’t get in your work against another unit within our program. You try to emphasize some of those things to help your players, in all three phases of the game, continue to grow as a player for some of the things that they’re going to see during the course of the year. For us, it becomes a little bit more like a regular game week, but you’re still doing a lot of good-on-good work too. So, it’s kind of a combination, but it’s a good taste for the new guys that have never been through fall with us of what a game week kind of looks like.”
On the recent success in recruiting and how Tennessee’s footprint has evolved… “Tennessee is unique in all the states that touch it, how close in proximity it is to so many great players to the north, south, east and west. I think the success in recruiting for us isn’t something that just happens in the last six weeks. There is so much hard work that goes into it from your staff and from your players here on campus when recruits come to campus. At this point in our tenure, having long-standing relationships with coaches, people that have their feet on the ground, the recruits themselves, their families, us being able to recruit to the culture that we’ve built here, the success that we’ve had on the field, who we are and how we live out every single day, all those things parlay itself into the success that we’ve had on the recruiting trail — in particular here over the last month and a half. For us as a program, we have to keep taking steps forward. We have elite players with physical traits that have high character, and that allows us to continue to recruit the right type of person and player to this program.”
On balancing the type of information shared with in-helmet communication… “I will be a combination of all those things. When it first came out, I think I said it. It gives you an opportunity to have a little more description of some things that are unique within your game plan, situational football in particular. Four-minute situation, reminding them of the play clock. You have four downs here, you don’t have four downs. Some of those things. That really happens on both sides of the football.”
On success in recruiting out of state… “It’s time on task. That’s with coaches. It’s with people coming into contact with some of these players — trainers, for example. It’s being able to get them here to campus and having the opportunity to see what Rocky Top looks like, the stadium and visuals of gameday experience. It’s them being here for gameday. Ultimately, it’s the culture. It comes down to your players in your locker room being able to be real with them about what it is like to live out and be a player here day-in and day-out. Then you look at the success on the field, the growth and the development of players — as a man and as a player — where they have an opportunity to go fulfill their dreams.”
On how to successfully recruit guys from bordering states… “Time on task, with coaches it is people that come into contact with some of these players. It is trainers for example, it’s being able to get them here to campus then having the opportunity to see what rocky top looks like. The stadium, visuals of gameday experience, them being here for gameday. Ultimately it is the culture. It comes down to your players in your locker room being able to be real with them about what it’s like to live out and be a player here day in and day out. Then you look at the success on the field. The growth and the development of players, as a man and as a player, where they have an opportunity to go fulfill their dreams.
On the competition at left guard… “No depth chart being handed out yet. It’s been really good, Dre (Andrej Karic) missed a couple of days but came right back. He has played really well. Sham (Shamurad Umarov) is playing really well; Jackson Lampley has the versatility to play multiple sides as well. As we head into this week, there is still a lot of competition. I have said it to our team since January, our coaches included, I think I have mentioned it to you guys too, we need to have multiple guys ready to play.”
On Squirrel White’s outlook going into the season… “He had a really good camp. He has great command understanding what we are doing, the fundamentals and technique that go in with the different coverages that he is going to see based off the route concept. He plays extremely hard, plays extremely physical, catches the ball well. He’s had a great training camp.”
On what Christian Harrison has done to position himself to potentially start the opener… “With (Jourdan Thomas) going down, Christian playing there, Boo Carter — you guys have asked about him too — both of those guys have done a great job of growing in the fundamentals of playing the position, the communication that takes place there with the guys beside them, back behind them, making plays. Really excited about what both of those guys have done on the practice field up until this point, and both of those guys will play a lot of ball.”
On the secondary’s available personnel for the season opener… “I feel really good about where we’re at with that group. Not just the first guy you might see on Saturday, but the guy that’s going to come in and play a lot of football behind him too. They’ve had a really good camp. They’ve continued to get better, so I have really good trust in those guys.”
On what characteristics fit the mold of Tennessee’s culture… “Smart, tough, relentless competitors, love football, care about the people around them. Want to be great as a man, not just as a player, and are going to go chase it every day.”
On what the team has done to improve offensively and defensively in red zone opportunities… “Time on task, we have spent a bunch of time in that area of the field on both sides of the football. Schematically, subtle changes to what we have done. We have to be efficient, prolific throwing the football when you are off-schedule down there. When we get into the season, you have to be elite running the football. Defensively, you have to be able to match people out. That’s zone coverage and man principles as well. At the end of the day, we have to go prove it, but we’ve continued to grow in that area.”
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Human remains found two decades ago in Knoxville have finally been identified.
The Knox County Regional Forensic Center identifying the remains Monday morning as Brian A. Sanderson.
Sanderson was found in 2003 near I-275 at the Woodlawn entrance ramp.
Knoxville Police responded and a team from UT assisted in the recovery at the time.
In 2008, investigators submitted a DNA sample to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, or NamUs, which is a national database for missing or unidentified persons.
The Forensic Center took the body in 2017, determining the remains were those of a white man around five feet tall between 40 and 60 years old.
In 2022, KCRFC got in touch with Othram, a company that tests DNA to help in cold cases.
“We work diligently every day to try to identify every decedent and connect them with their next of kin, regardless of how long they’ve been here,” said Chris Thomas, the center’s chief administrative officer. “We want the families to have closure.”
Othram matched the remains to Sanderson.
The case goes back to November of 2003, when the Knoxville Police Department began investigating after someone noticed a body on I-275 at the Woodlawn entrance ramp. (Brian Sanderson, circa 1967. Photo credit: Knox Co. Regional Forensic Center)
Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: A woman missing from Cumberland County has been found dead.
Officials with The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report 69-year-old Roxanne Gallagher was found dead Saturday afternoon in Lake Cumberland in Kentucky.
TBI had issued a Silver Alert for Gallagher earlier this month after she was last seen in late June on Dogwood Road.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued a Silver Alert Friday afternoon for a missing Cumberland County woman.
TBI officials say 69-year-old Roxanne Gallagher was last seen in late June on Dogwood Road wearing a blue shirt and jeans. They say she has a medical condition that may impair her ability to return home without assistance.
Gallagher is described as being 5′2′ tall and 130 pounds with blue eyes and blonde hair.
Roxanne Gallagher, 69 (Courtesy: TBI)
TBI adds that Gallagher may be driving a maroon 2000 Buick LaSabre with TN license plate BGR-9782. Anyone with information is asked to call the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at 931-484-6176 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.
(Courtesy:TBI)TBI said 69-year-old Roxanne Gallagher was found dead Saturday afternoon in Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. (Courtesy: TBI)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Lady Vols posted a shutout over Chattanooga, taking a 2-0 victory in Regal Stadium Sunday night.
In addition to posting a clean sheet and two goals, Tennessee (1-1-0) outshot the Mocs 15-to-1, posted five shots on goal, five corner kicks and held possession for 60 percent of the match.
The first half was a slow start offensively for both squads, but Tennessee was able to strike in the 64th minute via an own goal. UT’s second goal of the night came in exciting fashion when Sammi Woods used a left-footed beauty assisted off of Sarah Greiner to find the back of the net in the 90th minute.
In addition to her goal, Woods shined in her Rocky Top debut and paced the squad with six shots total with three of them coming on frame while also leading the team with 77 minutes of game action.
Freshman Reese Mattern also provided Tennessee with four shots, a pair of them coming on frame.
STAT OF THE GAME: For the second consecutive season, Tennessee held an opponent to just one shot on the night. The Lady Vols held FAU to a singular shot on last on Sept. 10, 2023.
ALL-TIME AGAINST THE MOCS: UT now improves to 7-0 all-time against Chattanooga and have outscored them 39-1 in their meetings.
Dandridge, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night in Dandridge.
Officials with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office say deputies responded just after 8:00 p.m. to a reported shooting in the 500 block of Daisy Way, finding two gunshot victims.
According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a woman was taken to the hospital for treatment, but a man, later identified as 47-year-old Johnathan Michael Williams was pronounced dead at the scene.
TBI said the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (Courtesy: TBI)
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway following a fatal pedestrian-involved crash Saturday evening in Knoxville.
Knoxville Police Department officials say the crash happened around 8:50 at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Bertrand Street.
Police say a vehicle traveling west on Magnolia struck a 61-year-old woman who was attempting to cross the roadway; she was taken to UT Medical Center but later died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.
KPD says the driver of the involved vehicle remained at the scene and that witnesses indicated the vehicle was driving through the intersection and had a green light at the time of the collision.
The investigation into the crash remains active and ongoing.
This is a developing story.
KPD added that the vehicle and driver involved stayed on the scene. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Morristown, TN (WOKI) A victim is identified and a suspect arrested swifly following a deadly hit-and-run accident Sunday morning in Morristown.
Officials with the Morristown Police Department say the incident happened just after midnight on West Andrew Johnson Highway.
Thirty-one year old Alisha Marie Caminiti, was attempting to cross the highway in the 2400 block near S. Austin Road when she was struck and killed by a vehicle heading westbound.
Police say the driver, 34-year-old John Crocillo, of Morristown, left the scene before officers could arrive but was arrested later on Sunday.
He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
“MPD Chief Roger Overholt would like to thank the public for providing information about this incident as well as the officers and investigators who worked diligently to identify and charge the responsible individual,” MPD said.
Greeneville, TN (WOKI) A traffic stop in Greeneville Thursday night leads to the arrest of a man and a woman suspected in the death of a four-year-old child.
An officer with the Greeneville Police Department stopped a white Ford Expedition around 10:00 p.m. on West Andrew Johnson Highway, arresting Cody Williams and Miranda Crowe. Both reportedly had charges out of Hawkins County.
Officials with the Greeneville Police Department say Williams is facing felony charges for second-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, aggravated child neglect and tampering with evidence.
Crowe had warrants out for child neglect, aggravated assault and failure to report child abuse.
Both Crowe and Williams were taken to the Greene County Detention Center before being handed over to the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff Ronnie Lawson.
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a fatal, single-vehicle crash that happened Friday morning at Buffat Mill Road and Loves Creek.
KPD says the crash happened around 11:45 a.m. when a van traveling east on Buffat Mill Road went through the intersection at Loves Creek and crashed through a guardrail, ending up in the woods.
A woman driving the van was pronounced dead at the scene. Two adult passengers were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
KPD says speed was a possible factor in the crash.
Deadly crash at Loves Creek (Courtesy: Knoxville Police Department)
Posted on August 20, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Anderson County, TN (WOKI) An Oak Ridge man was found guilty Monday, August 19 of several counts in a grisly Anderson County rape and murder case. Sean Finnegan faced several charges, including first-degree murder, rape and abuse of a corpse. The charges stem from a 2020 investigation, during which police said Finnegan and his girlfriend,…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With classes underway and the preseason winding down, No. 15 Tennessee will use this week as a mock game week before turning its full attention towards preparation for the 2024 season opener against Chattanooga on Aug. 31 at Neyland Stadium. “Wrapping up training camp today, guys are off to class,” head coach Josh Heupel said during…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Human remains found two decades ago in Knoxville have finally been identified. The Knox County Regional Forensic Center identifying the remains Monday morning as Brian A. Sanderson. Sanderson was found in 2003 near I-275 at the Woodlawn entrance ramp. Knoxville Police responded and a team from UT assisted in the recovery at…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Cumberland County, TN (WOKI) UPDATE: A woman missing from Cumberland County has been found dead. Officials with The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report 69-year-old Roxanne Gallagher was found dead Saturday afternoon in Lake Cumberland in Kentucky. TBI had issued a Silver Alert for Gallagher earlier this month after she was last seen in late June…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Lady Vols posted a shutout over Chattanooga, taking a 2-0 victory in Regal Stadium Sunday night. In addition to posting a clean sheet and two goals, Tennessee (1-1-0) outshot the Mocs 15-to-1, posted five shots on goal, five corner kicks and held possession for 60 percent of the match. The first half…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Dandridge, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is investigating a fatal shooting Saturday night in Dandridge. Officials with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office say deputies responded just after 8:00 p.m. to a reported shooting in the 500 block of Daisy Way, finding two gunshot victims. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a woman…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) An investigation is underway following a fatal pedestrian-involved crash Saturday evening in Knoxville. Knoxville Police Department officials say the crash happened around 8:50 at the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and Bertrand Street. Police say a vehicle traveling west on Magnolia struck a 61-year-old woman who was attempting to cross the roadway; she…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 19, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Morristown, TN (WOKI) A victim is identified and a suspect arrested swifly following a deadly hit-and-run accident Sunday morning in Morristown. Officials with the Morristown Police Department say the incident happened just after midnight on West Andrew Johnson Highway. Thirty-one year old Alisha Marie Caminiti, was attempting to cross the highway in the 2400 block…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 16, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Greeneville, TN (WOKI) A traffic stop in Greeneville Thursday night leads to the arrest of a man and a woman suspected in the death of a four-year-old child. An officer with the Greeneville Police Department stopped a white Ford Expedition around 10:00 p.m. on West Andrew Johnson Highway, arresting Cody Williams and Miranda Crowe. Both…… Continue Reading
Posted on August 16, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments
Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department is investigating a fatal, single-vehicle crash that happened Friday morning at Buffat Mill Road and Loves Creek. KPD says the crash happened around 11:45 a.m. when a van traveling east on Buffat Mill Road went through the intersection at Loves Creek and crashed through a guardrail, ending up…… Continue Reading
