Murderer Convicted of Shooting His Ex-Girlfriend after Breakup

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained a conviction against a man who shot his girlfriend when she broke up with him.  Roger Earl England, 35, was convicted of First Degree Murder.  After the jury announced the verdict, Judge Kyle Hixson imposed a life sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

In a five-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Lambert and Hector Sanchez explained to the jury that on January 26, 2020, Knox County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jeremy McCord responded to a call at a residence off Lovell Road.  The investigation revealed that England and the victim began dating a month earlier when they met in Indiana.  The two moved in together in the Knoxville home three days before the shooting.  The victim decided to move back to Indiana and was in the process of breaking up with England and packing her belongings when England shot her once in the back of the head.  England initially denied involvement in the shooting but later admitted that he shot the victim because she was leaving him.

“Unfortunately, we see more domestic violence cases in our office than any other type of case,” said DA Charme Allen.  “With the sentence in this case, this offender will never again be able to harm someone in our community.”

England was sentenced to life in prison, meaning he must serve at least fifty-one years in prison before he can meet with the parole board.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Kara Sowards aided in the prosecution of this case.

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.