Driver Convicted of Killing Motorcyclist

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the Criminal Court Unit obtained a conviction against a woman who struck a motorcyclist while driving on Interstate 40.  Jennifer Leigh Sexton, 50, was convicted of Vehicular Homicide, False Reports, Following too Closely, and Driving on a Suspended License.  Judge Scott Green revoked Sexton’s bond, ordered her into custody, and set the case for sentencing on June 20.

In a three-day trial, Assistant District Attorneys Sean Bright and Amelia Hamilton explained to the jury that on June 15, 2021, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 40 near Asheville Highway.  The investigation revealed that Sexton was travelling west bound at approximately eighty-seven miles per hour when she struck the victim who was driving a motorcycle in the right lane.  The impact of Sexton’s vehicle threw the victim from his motorcycle onto the interstate where he was struck and killed by another vehicle.  When officers arrived on scene, Sexton lied and stated that someone else was driving her vehicle.  Sexton was transported to the hospital and then arrested on an outstanding Violation of Probation warrant.

“This case is another unfortunate and completely avoidable example of the dangers of reckless driving,” said DA Allen.

Vehicular Homicide is a Class C felony carrying a punishment from three to six years.  False Reports is a Class D felony carrying a punishment between two and four years.  Sexton has multiple prior convictions for Theft and Financial Transaction Card Fraud.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Kim Strike 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.