Murder Defendant Convicted and Sentence to Life without Parole

A Knox County jury found a defendant guilty-as-charged following a week-long trial prosecuted by DA Charme Allen’s Major Crimes Unit. Jeffery Willard Wooten, 51, was convicted of First Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Burglary, Especially Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Robbery, Attempted Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Carjacking, Evading Arrest, Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Aggravated Burglary, and Theft. In a separate sentencing hearing, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen argued to the jury that the sentence for the First Degree Murder conviction should be enhanced, and the jury agreed, sentencing Wooten to Life without Parole. Judge Steve Sword set the case for a hearing on April 8 to determine Wooten’s sentence on the additional charges.

ADA Allen explained to the jury that on May 9, 2014, Rebecca Garner and her mother, Loretta Lands, arrived at Ms. Lands’ residence off Hunter’s Ridge Way. As they exited their vehicle, Wooten approached them with a handgun, demanding they get back in their vehicle. The victims stated they would not comply with Wooten’s demands, and Wooten took their keys, purse, cellphone, and vehicle by force. The victims used another phone to call 911, and when they entered the residence, they found that Randy Lands had been murdered by Wooten inside the kitchen. The victim’s vehicle was found on Interstate 40 in Loudon County. Loudon County Sheriff’s Office deputies attempted to stop the vehicle, but Wooten led officers on a chase until he crashed on Lovell Road.

“I sought the enhanced sentence of Life without Parole in this case because Mr. Wooten is a dangerous offender who has no regard for human life,” said DA Charme Allen.”Wooten will now spend the rest of his life in prison where he will never again be able to harm any citizen in our community.”

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.