Multi-Convicted Felon Sentenced to Fifty-One Years

A convicted felon with a lengthy criminal history was sentenced to fifty-one years in prison after prosecutors with DA Charme Allen’s Career Gang Unit obtained convictions for a violent attack. In a September jury trial, Assistant District Attorney TaKisha Fitzgerald secured convictions against Terry Lewis Vonner, 48, for Attempted Second Degree Murder, Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Reckless Endangerment. After a sentencing hearing yesterday, Judge Steve Sword sentenced Vonner to fifty-one years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

At trial, ADA Fitzgerald explained that on January 26, 2012, Vonner attacked a victim at a residence off McPherson Street. Vonner struck the victim in the head with a machete then shot her twice as she fled from the Defendant. He fired at least five additional shots at the victim as she sought help from a neighbor. The victim was transported to UT Medical Center and survived to testify against Vonner at trial.

“I created the Career Gang Unit to prosecute individuals like this whose repeated criminal acts show that they do not deserve to be free in our community,” said DA Charme Allen.

During the sentencing hearing, ADA Fitzgerald proved that Vonner is a Range III Persistent Offender with nine prior felony convictions including Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Burglary, and Evading Arrest.

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.