Fatal Crash Leads to Vehicular Homicide Conviction

DA Charme Allen announces that prosecutors in the DUI Unit obtained a conviction against a man who struck another vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol, killing the other driver.  Ndayizeye Jamari, 25, pled guilty to Vehicular Homicide by Intoxication.  Judge Scott Green sentenced Jamari to eight years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

During the announcement of the plea, Assistant District Attorney Mitch Eisenberg explained to the Court that on May 23, 2021, Knoxville Police Department Officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Western Avenue at Hinton Road.  The investigation revealed that Jamari was traveling westbound when he left his lane, crossed the center turn lane, and struck the victim’s vehicle head-on in the eastbound lane, killing the victim.  Officers observed that Jamari had a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, and slurred speech.  A sample of Jamari’s blood was drawn for analysis, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation determined his blood alcohol content to be 0.18, over twice the legal limit.

“This is another example of the dangers of impaired driving,” said DA Allen. “With so many rideshare options available, tragic outcomes like this are completely avoidable.” In addition to the eight-year sentence, Jamari’s driver’s license will be revoked for a period of ten years.  Assistant Victim Witness Coordinator Brittany Wilhelmson 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.