Domestic Attack Leads to Aggravated Assault Conviction

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s Domestic Violence Unit obtained convictions against a husband who beat and choked his wife during a violent attack. Brian Eugene Neely, 55, was convicted of Aggravated Assault and Domestic Assault. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on March 23.

At trial, Assistant District Attorneys Willie Lane and Randall Kilby presented proof to the jury that on June 26, 2015, around 3:00 AM, Knoxville Police Department Officer Matthew Lawson responded to a domestic disturbance call at a home off Middlebrook Pike. Once on scene, the victim stated that Neely became angry and accused her of cheating on him. Neely climbed on top of the victim and pinned her to the bed. He then struck the victim in the face six to seven times while using his left hand to choke her. Ofc. Lawson observed a cut and swelling over the victim’s left eye along with scratches on her face, neck, and hands.

Aggravated Assault is a Class C felony that carries a punishment between three and six years. At sentencing, prosecutors will seek to enhance Neely’s sentence due to the violent nature of the offense and his prior criminal convictions.

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.