Defendant Convicted of Murdering His Girlfriend

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a man who murdered his girlfriend when she decided to end the relationship.  Ronald Eugene Fox, II, 33, was convicted of First Degree Murder, Tampering with Evidence, and False Report.  When the jury returned their verdict, Judge Steve Sword imposed a sentence of life in prison.

In a four-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Hill and Cameron Williams explained to the jury that on May 22, 2021, Knoxville Police Department Investigator Tim Riddle responded to a 911 call at 2919 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.  At the scene, officers discovered that the victim had been shot and killed in the laundry room of her home.  After interviewing witnesses, officers learned that the victim was unhappy with her boyfriend, Fox, and wanted to end their relationship.  Investigators interviewed Fox multiple times and caught him in several lies.  Ultimately, while Fox claimed he was not present during the shooting, the gun powder residue that covered his clothes proved he was lying again.

“Through the hard work of everyone involved in this investigation, we were able to learn the truth and hold this offender accountable,” said DA Allen.

In Tennessee, a life sentence means Fox must serve fifty-one years in prison before he is eligible for parole.  Fox has prior felony convictions for Attempted Second Degree Murder, Facilitation of Aggravated Robbery, and Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon.  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.