Lemaricus Davidson
Letalvis Cobbins
George Thomas
Vanessa Coleman
From Knoxville Journal staff reports
News@theknoxvillejournal.com
The Knox County District Attorney’s Office filed an appeal Jan. 5 on Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood’s recent ruling that granted new trials to the four defendants convicted in the 2007 murders of Channon Christian and Chris Newsom.
The young couple was carjacked, tortured, raped, and murdered in January of that year, causing major uproar in the community.
Lemaricus Davidson was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to death, while Letalvis Cobbins and George Thomas were convicted of first degree murder and received life sentences.
Vanessa Coleman was convicted of facilitation of the first-degree murder of Christian, among other charges, and was sentenced to 53 years.
In March of last year, Judge Richard Baumgartner, who presided over the Christian-Newsom trial, pleaded guilty to misconduct and resigned, admitting that he was addicted to pain medication, among other drugs.
A investigation conducted by the TBI discovered that Baumgartner also participated in illegal activities, particularly with former defendant Christopher Gibson in his drug court.
Blackwood granted new trials to all the defendants Dec. 1. New trials would force the families and the community to once again have to relive the horrible crimes once again, according to the state, not to mention the expenses of putting the defendants through new trials.
Baumgartner did not live up to the high standards required of judges, according to state officials, but it was not proven that his personal misconduct had an effect on the trial. There was also no evidence that Baumgartner’s addiction to pain medication impacted him mentally during the trial.
Officials also said prosecutors could be forced to conduct pretrial investigations of judges to make sure any verdicts in the trials will not be reversed. The state requested a stay in all proceedings related to these cases until the appeals court has time to review them and make a decision.
A hearing date is scheduled Jan. 12 to address when the new trials will take place.
