10 years for DUI killer

Jeffrey Knight received two 10 year sentences for killing a 21 year old Brittany Thomas and her 10 month old baby, Aiden. He was ordered to prison after a sentencing hearing in the Court of Judge David Duggan in Blount County.

The Maryville Daily Times reported that the sentencing hearing involved the family of the victims and the defendant. Knight killed after drinking shots before driving to work.

The Daily Times report captures the emotion of the hearing and is recommended. Congratulations to Ryan Desmond and Clint Frazier for the efforts as prosecutors and Sgt Hank Morris for his work reconstructing this tragic crash.

Read about it at:

The Daily Times - Jeffrey Knight gets 10 years in prison for vehicular homicides

101 mph and 6th offense DUI arrest

News channel 5 in Nashville reports that Franklin police have arrested 39 year old Shawn Woods for DUI 6th offense. Woods was driving 101 miles per hour on I 65 at the time. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty again.

Woods had previously killed a Knoxville teenager in another wreck.

Read about him on the links below.

Police: Man Driving 101 MPH Arrested For Sixth DUI - NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & Sports

Shelbyville man accused of driving 100 mph gets 6th DUI - WSMV Channel 4

Intextication

Sgt Mark Kimsey, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office and ACTAR certified crash reconstruction expert has published a study called "Driving While Intexticated". Mark is doing his part to get us all to focus on the consequences of texting and driving. Congratulations Mark.

Winter weather traffic safety tips from TDOT

Tips for Safe Winter Driving on Tennessee Roads

Staying safe requires drivers to examine habits and make weather-related changes. According toTDOT, the key to winter driving safety is simple - slow down! The slow and cautious approach applies to almost everything - accelerating, braking, merging, approaching intersections, bridges and off-ramps. In addition:

• Give yourself some space. It's harder to stop on slick roads, so don't drive too close to the car in front of you.
• Brake slowly and carefully when you need to, but never drive so fast or close that you need to slam on the brakes.
• Forget the cruise control. Instead, stay alert and ready to respond quickly to changing conditions.
• Stay away from the snow plow. Drivers often have limited visibility so driving too close may be dangerous. If you stay behind the plow, the road is much safer. If you must pass, use caution.
• Clear all snow from your vehicle to improve visibility - for you and other drivers.
• Wear your seatbelt.

Synthetic Drugs

The synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones webinar this afternoon was attended by 141 prosecutors and law enforcement officers. Thanks to all who participated.
One great nuggett of information recieved is that the TBI lab now has a catalog showing what drugs are in the various synthetic packages. They have about 275 different products identified. Great job TBI.
It is ridiculous the way these poisons are being marketed. Joe Camel was blamed for kids becoming addicted to tobacco. How come these producers aren't called to task for using Scooby Doo and many other cartoon charactors to get kids to try these dangerous drugs? They have names like "Happy Plant Food, Bang Bang Love Gun, Magic Dragon, Mad Monkey, Sprinkles, Green Ghost and Dragon's Eye".
I guess they haven't been hit by the Product's Liability laws, because so many are produced in China.

ADA Kate Lavery in the News

Below is a story from News Channel 9 in Chattanooga concerning the new mandatory testing requirement for multiple offenders. Nicely done!
http://www.newschannel9.com/news/says-1007798-dui-driver.html

Krokodile, a drug popular in Russia makes skin fall off

Krokodile is one of the latest high intensity drugs that is so bad that the skin falls off near injection sites. People who use this have extremely high medical costs and extremely low life expectancy. It is popular with junkies in Russia and is being seen on the west coast, so it will be here in the not too distant future.
Thanks to Lexington, Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney, Ray Larsen, for publishing this in his newsletter. Read about it at:
http://www.lexingtonprosecutor.com/?p=7129