Les Jones

Johnia Berry > Johnia Berry's Family Endorses Randy Tyree for Sheriff

WBIR - Johnia Berry's family to endorse Tyree for sheriff:

The family of murder victim Johnia Berry has announced they will endorse Democratic candidate Randy Tyree for Knox County Sheriff. Citing what the family views as a politicized environment under former Sheriff Tim Hutchison continuing under Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones, the family made the announcement in a press release from Tyree's campaign Monday.

Johnia Berry was stabbed to death in her apartment in December, 2004. Taylor Olson was arrested in 2007 for her death but hanged himself with a bedsheet in jail before he could be tried. Joan Berry and then-Sheriff Tim Hutchison had disagreements about whether outside resources like America's Most Wanted would aid in the investigation.

During the investigation, Hutchison said he was confident the person responsible was still in the area and said he didn't want to spread his investigators' attention onto false leads.

I wasn't a fan of Hutchison with regards to Johnia Berry's case or some other issues. As to Jones (no relation) I have no opinion, and since I live in Blount County I don't have a vote, either.