Impaired Driver Crosses Double Yellow Line and Kills Motorist

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s DUI Unit obtained convictions against a repeat impaired driver who killed another motorist on Pleasant Ridge Road. Kitty Marie Yearout, 49, pled guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Yearout will receive a sentence of fifteen years to serve in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Judge Scott Green set the case for sentencing on June 17 at which time he will hear victim impact testimony from the family.

In a plea colloquy today, Assistant District Attorney Heather Good explained to the court that on December 3, 2017, Knoxville Police Department Officer Tim Edwards responded to a two-vehicle crash on Pleasant Ridge Road. Ofc. Edwards’ investigation revealed that Yearout was travelling south on Pleasant Ridge Road when she ran off the right side of the road, over-corrected, crossed the double-yellow line, and collided with another vehicle, killing the driver and injuring the passenger. Yearout consented to a blood draw, and analysis by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation showed she had a nearly fatal level of alprazolam in her system. Yearout has two prior DUI convictions from Claiborne County.

“This death was completely preventable” said DA Allen.”Drugged driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.”

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.