Stalker Repeatedly Shoots at Ex-Girlfriend before Fleeing to Texas

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Domestic Violence Unit obtained a conviction against a man who repeatedly shot at his ex-girlfriend before fleeing to Texas.  Jomo Kenyatta Berry, 45, was convicted of fifteen counts including Attempted First Degree Murder, Attempted Second Degree Murder, Employing a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Aggravated Stalking.  Judge Hector Sanchez set the case for sentencing on January 31.

In a four-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Sean Roberts and Joe Welker explained to the jury that on December 15, 2022, Berry was stalking his ex-girlfriend, following her on Interstate 40.  Berry shot at least fourteen times into the driver’s side of his ex-girlfriend’s vehicle.  The victim managed to drive to the Casey’s gas station on Rutledge Pike where two employees hid her in a back storage room and locked the door.  Berry entered  Casey’s with his gun in his hand and searched for the victim.  When he could not find her, he broke into the victim’s car and stole multiple items.  The U.S. Marshals tracked Berry to McKinney, Texas, where he was arrested and brought back to Knoxville.  The Knoxville Police Department was already searching for Berry for two previous offenses where he had shot at the victim.

“Without a doubt, the bravery of the Casey’s employees saved this woman’s life,” said DA Allen.

Attempted First Degree Murder is a Class A felony that carries a punishment between fifteen and twenty-five years in prison.  Attempted Second Degree Murder is a Class B felony carrying between eight and twelve years.  Employing a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony is a Class C felony that carries a minimum of six years consecutive to the sentence for the Attempted First and Attempted Second Degree Murder.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Cindy Vanosdale 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.