Murderer Found Guilty-as-Charged

Prosecutors in District Attorney General Charme P. Allen’s Major Crimes Unit obtained convictions today for multiple crimes committed by Quinton Emmanuel Love, 31. After a four-day trial, the jury agreed with Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen and found Love guilty-as-charged of First Degree Felony Murder, Especially Aggravated Burglary, Attempted Especially Aggravated Robbery, Employment of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Convicted Felon. Judge Scott Green imposed a mandatory life sentence for the murder conviction and set the case for sentencing on February 4, 2016, to determine the sentence for the additional charges. A life sentence means that Love must spend fifty-one years in prison before he is eligible to meet with the Parole Board.

ADA Allen presented testimony that on October 27, 2013, Love used an acquaintance of the victim, John Edward Smith, to convince Smith to open the door to his home in the 1900 block of Dutch Valley Drive. Once the door was open, Love pushed his way into the residence armed with a handgun in an attempt to rob the victim. During a struggle inside the house, Love shot Smith multiple times. At trial, Love claimed he was not at the scene, but the jury discredited his testimony after cross-examination by ADA Allen.

“Violent convicted felons like Mr. Love who have no regard for human life deserve to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said District Attorney Charme Allen.”We have achieved that goal in this case, and the community is now safer with Love behind bars. We will not tolerate violent, home-invasion crimes such as this in Knox County.”

At the February 4 sentencing hearing, prosecutors will ask for enhanced and consecutive sentences on the additional counts because of Love’s prior criminal history, which includes both violent crimes and drug crimes.

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.