Attack at Community Farm Leads to Attempted Murder Conviction

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a man who attacked his coworkers with a mattock at a community farm. Timothy Whitaker, 54, was convicted of Attempted Second Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Reckless Endangerment. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on March 1.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Leslie Nassios explained to the jury that on November 8, 2016, Whitaker was working at the Beardsley Community Farm at 1741 Reynolds Street. While working at the farm, coworkers noticed that Whitaker was agitated, slamming benches on the ground and cursing. When a supervisor and coworker tried to talk to Whitaker to calm him down, Whitaker went to a barn, retrieved two mattocks, and started smashing a picnic table. One coworker started walking to the parking lot when Whitaker hit her with a mattock. Another coworker grabbed Whitaker to keep him from hitting anyone else, and Whitaker struck him in the head with the mattock, causing a skull fracture and brain hemorrhaging. Witnesses called 911, and the Knoxville Police Department responded, taking Whitaker into custody.

Attempted Second Degree Murder is a Class B felony that carries a punishment between eight and twelve years. Aggravated Assault carries a sentence between three and six years.

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.