Home-Invasion Shooter Sentenced to Seventy-Eight Years

Prosecutors in District Attorney General Charme P. Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained a seventy-eight year sentence for multiple crimes committed by Brandon Deshawn Middlebrook, 26. In a sentencing order filed today, Judge Bob McGee agreed with prosecutor TaKisha Fitzgerald that Middlebrook deserved an enhanced sentence. The Court agreed with prosecutors that Middlebrook is a professional criminal who devoted his life to criminal acts. The judge also agreed that Middlebrook is a dangerous offender who was a leader during the commission of this crime.

In March, a Knox County jury convicted Middlebrook of multiple counts of Attempted First Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Burglary, Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Aggravated Assault. Following a three-day trial in February, a separate jury convicted co-defendant Joshua Martez Williams, 21, of the same charges. Assistant District Attorney General TaKisha Fitzgerald presented both cases for the State of Tennessee. During both trials, Fitzgerald explained that in February 2014, Middlebrook, Williams, and another co-defendant developed a plan to rob a drug dealer at an apartment in Fort Sanders. Middlebrook had no hesitation leading the charge into the crowded apartment, firing a handgun as he went. Multiple victims were injured in the shooting. Knoxville Police Department Investigators Charlie Lee, Chas Terry, and Patty Resig were key witnesses for the State who gathered evidence, interviewed victims, and testified in both trials.

“”We will not tolerate violent, home-invasion crimes such as this in Knox County,”” said Allen.””Criminals who commit these types of crimes can expect our prosecutors to ask for the longest prison sentences allowable under the law. Seventy-eight years in prison ensures that Middlebrook will never again harm the citizens of our community.””

Co-defendant Joshua Williams is set to be sentenced tomorrow.

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.