Drunk Driver Sentenced after Killing One and Seriously Injuring Another

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the DUI Unit obtained a ten-year sentence against an impaired driver who struck two pedestrians crossing Broadway, killing one and seriously injuring the other.  Kenyan Roshad Warren, 46, was convicted of Vehicular Homicide, Driving Under the Influence, and Reckless Aggravated Assault.  Following a sentencing hearing today, Judge Hector Sanchez ordered Warren to serve ten years in the Tennessee Department of Correction without the possibility of parole.

In a five-day trial in July, Assistant District Attorneys Mitch Eisenberg and Caleb Smothers explained to the jury that on August 6, 2022, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a crash near 1904 North Broadway where a vehicle struck two pedestrians.  The investigation revealed that Warren was driving on Broadway when he struck the two pedestrians who were crossing the street.  One victim died as a result of the crash, and the other victim suffered serious injuries, including a skull fracture that exposed part of his brain.  On scene, officers observed Warren throw a beer can under his vehicle.  Warren smelled like alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and was unsteady on his feet.  Witnesses stated that prior to police arrival, Warren walked over to one of the victims and kicked her, telling her to get up.  He then cursed at her and tried to drag her out of the roadway.  Warren refused to submit to a blood draw, but a mandatory blood draw revealed his blood alcohol content to be 0.106, and Warren also had cocaine and marijuana in his system.

“My Office sought and obtained the maximum sentence allowed under state law to hold Warren accountable and to serve as a deterrent to other impaired drivers,” said DA Allen.

Under Tennessee law, Vehicular Homicide is a Class C felony that carries a punishment between three and six years.  Aggravated Assault is a Class D felony carrying two to four years.  Victim Witness Coordinator Patty Boardwine, Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Lauren Ward, and Legal Secretary Jennifer Stout 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.