Drunk Driver Pleads to Vehicular Homicide and Sentenced to Twelve Years

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the DUI Unit obtained convictions against a man whose drunk driving caused a head-on collision, killing one and seriously injuring another.  Kyle David Moore, 39, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, and Reckless Endangerment.  The parties were set to begin trial today, but they announced to Judge Scott Green that Moore would plead guilty and receive a sentence of twelve years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

Assistant District Attorney Mitch Eisenberg explained to the Court that on October 23, 2021, Knoxville Police Department Officer Jasmine Reed responded to a head-on collision on Merchants Drive at Wilkerson Road.  Witnesses reported that Moore had been driving eastbound on Merchants Drive when he crossed the double yellow line and struck the victim’s vehicle, killing the passenger and seriously injuring the driver.  While being treated for his injuries, Moore admitted being intoxicated to firefighters with the Knoxville Fire Department.  When Ofc. Reed asked Moore if he would consent to a blood draw to determine his blood alcohol content, Moore responded that the officer would have to “work for it.”  Ofc. Reed obtained a search warrant for Moore’s blood that revealed a .187 BAC, more than twice the legal limit.

“Roughly one third of all fatal crashes in Tennessee last year involved an impaired driver,” said DA Allen.

In addition to serving his sentence, Moore’s driver’s license will be revoked for a period of ten years.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Brittany Wilhelmson 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.