Knoxville, Tennessee, October 6, 2025
News Summary
Tadaryl Shipp, convicted of first-degree murder in 1997, is set for his first parole hearing in Tennessee after serving nearly three decades in prison. Shipp murdered 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer in 1995, luring her under false pretenses before the brutal attack. While the hearing is scheduled, a decision on his parole is unlikely to be announced the same day. Shipp’s family intends to submit opposition statements, highlighting the impact of his actions on the victim’s family and the community.
Knoxville, Tennessee – Tadaryl Shipp, a 47-year-old convicted murderer, is set to appear for his first parole hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Shipp has been in custody since January 1995 after he was found guilty of first-degree murder in 1997, following the death of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. The hearing will take place at the Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee, as part of a broader parole docket involving multiple inmates, according to parole board spokesman Dustin Krugel.
Colleen Slemmer was a Job Corps student when she was murdered on the night of January 12, 1995. Shipp, then 17 years old, lured her to the University of Tennessee Agricultural campus under the pretense of smoking marijuana. Alongside his girlfriend, Christa Pike, and another acquaintance, Shadolla Peterson, Shipp assaulted, stabbed, and killed Slemmer. Her body was discovered the following day, concealed in brush on campus grounds.
During the trial, Pike confessed to the murder while Shipp acknowledged his involvement. Jurors showed some sympathy towards Shipp due to his young age at the time of the crime, which influenced their decision not to impose the death penalty. Shipp’s mother, May Martinez, was not aware of his parole eligibility until notified by a local news outlet.
Though the hearing is scheduled for this week, it is unlikely that the parole board will announce a decision regarding Shipp’s case on the same day. Martinez intends to submit a video expressing her opposition to Shipp’s potential release, which will be compiled and reviewed by the parole board.
Historically, the Tennessee Department of Correction had slated Shipp for parole eligibility in 2031. Following recent developments, including the scheduling of a Sept. 30, 2026 execution date for Christa Pike—who is currently waiting for capital punishment for her role in the murder—the most recent information challenges previous timelines regarding Shipp’s parole status. Pike will soon turn 50 and has the option of execution by lethal injection or the electric chair.
Interestingly, Colleen Slemmer would have celebrated her 50th birthday last month, a poignant reminder of the life that was tragically cut short due to this brutal crime.
Context of the Crime
The horrendous act that led to Shipp’s incarceration unfolded in 1995, with the murder of Slemmer shocking the Knoxville community. As a young student with a promising future, Slemmer’s death became emblematic of the violence that could erupt from seemingly innocuous circumstances. Over the years, the case has continued to resonate with both victims’ advocates and those following capital punishment debates in the U.S.
Parole Process Overview
The parole hearing represents a critical phase in the legal process for convicted individuals, allowing inmates to present their case for early release. In addition to the inmate’s behavior while incarcerated, the parole board considers the nature of the original crime, victim impact statements, and any evidence submitted during the hearing. In Shipp’s case, the existing opposition from the victim’s family could weigh heavily in the board’s decision-making process.
FAQ Section
What is Tadaryl Shipp’s background regarding the murder?
Tadaryl Shipp, 47, is scheduled for his first parole hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 8. He has been in custody since January 1995 and was convicted of first-degree murder in 1997 for the murder of Colleen Slemmer.
When did the murder of Colleen Slemmer occur?
The murder took place on the night of Jan. 12, 1995, on the University of Tennessee Agricultural campus.
What are the details surrounding Colleen Slemmer’s murder?
Slemmer was attacked, stabbed, and killed by Shipp, Christa Pike, and another acquaintance, Shadolla Peterson, who lured her under the pretense of smoking marijuana.
Will a decision be made on the day of Shipp’s parole hearing?
It is unlikely that the parole board will make a decision on Shipp’s case on the same day as the hearing.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Killer in 1995 Knoxville Job Corps Case Up for First Parole Hearing
- WATE: Man Convicted in 1990 Murder Denied Parole Again
- WBIR: Jimmy Ray Cureton and Bill Frye Parole Murder Deny
- Wikipedia: Parole
- WATE: Man Behind 1990 Murder Likely to Stay Behind Bars
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.
