Knoxville TN, September 12, 2025
News Summary
A 27-year-old man, Zachary Justin Hayes, is facing multiple charges, including criminal homicide, after the fatal stabbing of his mother, Kimberly Hayes, and her cat. The incident occurred during a welfare check by authorities, who discovered both victims in a residence in Louisville. Evidence suggests possible forced entry, and Hayes has since confessed to the crime. His next court hearing is scheduled for late September.
Knoxville, TN – A 27-year-old man, Zachary Justin Hayes, is facing multiple criminal charges, including criminal homicide, following a tragic incident where he is accused of fatally stabbing his mother, Kimberly Hayes, 63, and her cat. Hayes appeared in court before Judge Tammy M. Harrington on Thursday morning.
Hayes was arrested on September 9, 2023, after Blount County deputies conducted a welfare check at his mother’s residence on Samples Road in Louisville. This welfare check was initiated on the previous day, September 8, 2023. Upon arrival, deputies discovered Kimberly Hayes’ body alongside a deceased cat, leading to an investigation that quickly identified Zachary as a person of interest due to several concerning details.
Among the evidence discovered at the scene were pry marks on a storm door, suggesting there may have been an attempted forced entry into the residence. Neighbors also testified that they had seen Zachary’s vehicle parked outside his mother’s home before deputies arrived, raising suspicions about his involvement in the incident.
Initially, Hayes faced charges of aggravated burglary. However, following his arrest, police reported that he confessed to the double homicide. In addition to aggravated burglary, Hayes is now charged with abuse of a corpse and intentional killing of an animal.
During the court hearing, which was temporarily delayed due to technical issues with a computer monitor, Hayes was seen dressed in a black and white striped jail uniform and appeared restless in his seat next to his defense attorney, Matthew Elrod. Once the technical difficulties were resolved, the proceedings focused on legal discussions regarding Hayes’ Miranda rights and the legal basis for the aggravated burglary charge.
State prosecutor Tyler Parks called Blount County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Isaac Staley to the stand, where he provided testimony about the procedures followed when reading Hayes his Miranda rights. Staley confirmed that Hayes did not appear to be under the influence and was competent to read and sign the rights document.
The defense attorney then questioned Staley about the warrant process and the evidence of forced entry, leading to a legal dispute regarding the relevance of the testimony. Judge Harrington permitted the defense to complete their questioning but stated that cross-examination would resume in the next hearing, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30.
This case raises critical questions about mental health support and the circumstances that may lead to such violent incidents within families. The investigation is ongoing, as authorities continue to gather evidence and prepare for the upcoming court proceedings.
FAQ
What charges is Zachary Justin Hayes facing?
Zachary Justin Hayes is facing charges of criminal homicide, aggravated burglary, abuse of a corpse, and intentional killing of an animal.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred on September 8, 2023, with Hayes being arrested on September 9, 2023.
What evidence was found at the scene?
Evidence included pry marks on a storm door, indicating an attempted forced entry, and the bodies of Kimberly Hayes and a cat.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next court hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on September 30, 2023.
Was Zachary under the influence at the time of the arrest?
No, according to the testimony, Hayes did not appear to be under the influence at the time he was read his Miranda rights.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Accused Individual | Zachary Justin Hayes, age 27 |
| Victims | Kimberly Hayes (mother, age 63) and a cat |
| Date of Arrest | September 9, 2023 |
| Charges | Criminal homicide, aggravated burglary, abuse of a corpse, intentional killing of an animal |
| Next Court Date | September 30, 2023 |
| Witnesses | Neighbors reported seeing Zachary’s car at the scene |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Man Found Guilty of Stabbing 3 People
- Hoodline: Knoxville Man Convicted of Stabbing
- WATE: Knoxville Man Charged with Attempted Murder
- ABC News: DNA Leads to Arrest in 2004 Murder
- WBIR: Knoxville Stabbing at Fountain City Party
- Wikipedia: Criminal Homicide
- Google Search: Knoxville Crime News
- Google Scholar: Criminal Homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- Google News: Knoxville Stabbing
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
