Carjacking Defendant Identified with the Help of DNA Evidence
DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against a man who carjacked, kidnapped, and assaulted a woman, forcing her to withdraw money from ATMs. Tyshawn Demarcus Cook, 26, was convicted of Carjacking, Aggravated Kidnapping, Robbery, and Sexual Battery. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on March 20.
In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Rachel Hill and Debbie Malone explained to the jury that on June 25, 2022, Cook approached the victim as she was sitting in her car at her apartment complex in Fort Sanders. Cook forced the victim into the passenger seat then drove to several ATMs where he forced the victim to withdraw money. Cook physically and sexually assaulted the victim before forcing her into the trunk of the vehicle. Cook eventually released the victim and stole the vehicle. Cook remained unidentified until a DNA match connected him to evidence recovered from within the vehicle. At that time, the victim was then able to positively identify Cook as the perpetrator to KPD Detective AJ Loeffler.
“This is a case where DNA evidence provided the link needed to identify this offender and hold him accountable,” said DA Allen.
Carjacking and Aggravated Kidnapping are both Class B felonies, each carrying a punishment between eight and twelve years without the possibility of parole. Cook has six prior felony convictions for robbery, burglary, attempted carjacking, and attempted kidnapping. Cook has also been identified as a member of the Vice Lords criminal street gang. At the sentencing hearing in March, prosecutors will seek consecutive sentences. Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Kaitlyn Smith 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.