Murderer Convicted and Sentenced to Life in Prison

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained a conviction against a murderer who left his victim to die in a creek. Nicholas Wyatt Barish, 36, was convicted of First Degree Felony Murder. After the jury returned its verdict, Judge Scott Green imposed a mandatory life sentence.

In a four-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Hector Sanchez and Kevin Allen explained to the jury that on May 13, 2011, Barish lured the victim to an embankment off Turkey Creek Road in West Knoxville. At that location, Barish struck the victim in the head multiple times with a rock and threw him in a creek where the victim ultimately drowned. Barish then stole cash and other items from the victim’s vehicle. Barish was later found in possession of some of the victim’s property.

First Degree Felony Murder carries a mandatory life sentence meaning Barish must serve fifty-one years before being eligible for parole.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.