Co-Defendants Convicted after South Knox Shooting

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions against several co-defendants for their roles in a South Knoxville shooting that left one man dead.  Bobby Allen Hansard, 28, was sentenced to life in prison plus six years after being convicted of First Degree Murder, three counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.  Sean Alan Longmire, 22, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of First Degree Murder and three counts of Attempted First Degree Murder.  Elijah Dozard, 23, was sentenced to eighteen years in prison after pleading guilty to Facilitation of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault.  Joseph Dallas Bellew, 24, was sentenced to fifteen years in prison after pleading guilty to Facilitation of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault. 

In multiple trials in front of Judge Steve Sword over the last year, Assistant District Attorneys Joanie Stewart and Nate Ogle explained to the jury that on October 31, 2018, Hansard, Longmire, Dozard, and Bellew drove to 2923 Smith Lane to confront a group of individuals about an argument stemming from earlier in the day.  When they arrived at the address, Hansard and at least one other co-defendant pulled out handguns and started firing at the group.  Victim Bryson McGrotha was killed by the gunfire.  Another victim was struck in the leg and two others were nearly struck.  Knox County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Jason Moyers and Stephen Ballard responded to the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses.

“We have always aggressively prosecuted gun violence, and we will continue to do so in order to make our community safer,” said DA Charme Allen. 

In the State of Tennessee, life in prison means the defendant must serve fifty-one years in prison before they are eligible to meet with the parole board.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinators Veronica Fay and Kara Sowards aided in the prosecution of these cases.

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.