Hamilton

Hamilton County Man Fights Indictment, Cites Racial Bias in Jury Selection Process

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Chattanooga, Tennessee – A legal challenge has emerged concerning the fairness of the jury selection process in Hamilton County, with claims of racial biases that could infringe on the rights of defendants. Wendell Glass, a 50-year-old local resident, faces charges related to cocaine possession with intent to distribute. His attorney, Ryan Wheeler, has filed a motion urging that Glass’s indictment be declared void due to what they describe as a discriminatory jury selection system. The dispute centers around the allegation that white residents are disproportionately selected for jury duty, thereby violating constitutional standards that guarantee … Read more

Family Sues Hamilton County and Sheriff Over Man’s Death After Neglect in Custody

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The family of Deward Burton Johnson, who died in custody at Hamilton County Jail last year, has filed a lawsuit against the county and Sheriff Austin Garrett, alleging negligence and violations of civil rights. Johnson, 52, was detained on March 14 after being accused of shoplifting basketball trading cards valued at under $50 from a local Walmart. According to the legal complaint, Johnson underwent a routine blood test upon his booking into the jail, which revealed the presence of methamphetamine, amphetamine, and fentanyl in his system. Despite these findings, the lawsuit contends … Read more

Hamilton County Resident Faces Justice with 21 Child Sex Crime Charges in Recent Indictment

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Chattanooga, TN – A man from Hamilton County has been arrested following his indictment by a grand jury on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse. The charges encompass a range of serious offenses that allegedly involve minors. The individual facing these accusations is a 45-year-old male whose identity has been disclosed in the wake of the formal charges. He has been charged with 21 counts of sexual crimes involving children, signaling a deeply troubling pattern of behavior that prompted legal action following a thorough investigation. Legal sources indicate that the charges were the result … Read more

Hamilton County Jury Convicts Man on Multiple Charges in 2021 SkyZoo Bar Shooting Incident

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CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — A Hamilton County jury has convicted Kristijan Mrkonjic of first-degree premeditated murder and other charges in connection with a violent 2021 shooting at the now-defunct SkyZoo Bar. The verdict, which followed extensive deliberations that began Wednesday afternoon, marks a significant development in a case that has captured local attention due to its brutal nature and complex legal proceedings. In addition to convicting Mrkonjic of first-degree premeditated murder, the jury found him guilty of attempted second-degree murder, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, and evading arrest in a motor vehicle. The series … Read more