Trista Denton, a 47-year-old woman from Knoxville, was shot and killed in East Knoxville on October 9. The Knoxville Police Department is currently investigating the case and following active leads. A witness reported that an unknown individual shot Denton and fled the scene. The police department has already cleared 12 of the 18 homicides that have occurred in Knoxville this year.
Trista Denton Identified as Victim of East Knoxville Shooting
The woman who was fatally shot on October 9 in East Knoxville has been identified as Trista Denton, a 47-year-old resident of Knoxville. As of now, the Knoxville Police Department has not released any information regarding a suspect, but spokespersons have confirmed that homicide detectives are actively following leads in the investigation.
According to a press release from the department, an officer was flagged down around 10:45 a.m. on October 9 regarding a woman who had been shot at the intersection of Ben Hur and Martin Luther King Jr. avenues. Denton was immediately rushed to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Eyewitnesses reported that an unknown individual shot Denton before quickly fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters can choose to remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
Denton’s tragic death marks the 18th homicide in Knoxville this year. However, the police department has made significant progress in solving these cases, with 12 of the homicides already cleared by arrest, according to Scott Erland, a spokesperson for the department. Erland further stated that the police department is well on track to achieve its goal of reducing homicides by 10 percent this year.
“As of August 20, we were 27 percent down on homicides compared to the same period last year. By August 20, 2022, there were 22 homicides,” Erland said.
The Knoxville community is urged to come forward with any information that could assist the ongoing investigation. The police department’s efforts, along with the support of the community, will be crucial in bringing justice to Trista Denton and her grieving loved ones.
Liz Kellar, a Tennessee Connect reporter, contributed to this article. To contact her, please email liz.kellar@knoxnews.com. Support for local journalism can be shown by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe..