News Summary
The Knoxville community is reeling after the unexpected death of 46-year-old David Batts, who passed away at the University of Tennessee Medical Center following a chaotic arrest. Batts’s family is questioning the circumstances surrounding his death after he was tased and allegedly struck multiple times by law enforcement while detained. Calls for a thorough investigation continue as authorities, including the Knox County Sheriff, advocate for answers into this tragic incident, which has left many seeking closure.
Investigation Underway After Unfortunate Death of Knoxville Man
Knoxville is in shock as an unusual and troubling incident has unfolded following the death of David Batts, a 46-year-old man who passed away on January 8 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Batts had just been arrested one day earlier for an assault charge, and his family is sounding the alarm about the circumstances that led to his untimely demise.
It all started on January 7 when Batts was involved in a disturbance that resulted in a chaotic scene. After taking a KAT bus, he crashed it into another vehicle, which brought law enforcement to the scene. When he was evaluated in the emergency room, it became clear that Batts appeared to be experiencing a substance or behavioral health episode.
Details of the Incident
As Batts was receiving care, it was reported that he groped a nurse while lying on a stretcher, leading to his arrest by officers from the University of Tennessee Medical Center Police Department. At that time, Batts was found to have a small amount of heroin—over a gram—in his possession, which certainly did not help matters.
Upon arriving at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility, things took a turn for the worse. Batts was cited as being both intoxicated and uncooperative. Cell personnel had to resort to using a chemical agent and a Taser just to manage him, a practice that has prompted some serious concerns from his family.
A Tragic Outcome
In an alarming twist, family members have claimed that Batts was tased and struck multiple times by officers at the facility. Their lawyer, Lance Baker, who has been representing Batts’ family for years, noted that there has been little information released regarding the specifics of what transpired. Pictures shared by the family show Batts in the hospital, unconscious and with visible bruises and cuts, intensifying their grief and outrage.
Medical personnel later determined that Batts needed to be returned to the hospital for further evaluation, but tragically, he succumbed to his issues shortly after. The family is adamant in their request for an autopsy to help clarify the cause of death, and they expect that it will occur soon.
Calls for Thorough Investigations
Knox County Sheriff, Tom Spangler, has made it clear that he takes every death that occurs under his jurisdiction seriously. He is advocating for a thorough investigation, whether it is carried out by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office or the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, better known as the TBI. However, as of now, TBI has not been asked to get involved in Batts’ case.
Next Steps
As the initial stages of the investigation unfold, the Knoxville Police Department has been collaborating with TBI on the matter as well as the incident involving Batts. Everyone is waiting for answers that could lead to a better understanding of this tragic situation. Baker is pursuing information on what led to Batts’ death, and everyone is holding their breath for the autopsy results.
For the family of David Batts and many who knew him, the hope is that through this investigation, they will gain the closure they deserve and shed light on the events that have left a dark shadow over the community.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: In Custody Death Knoxville Police Investigation
- Wikipedia: Knoxville
- WBIR: KPD Body Camera Footage from Search Warrant in Custody Death
- Google Search: Knoxville police investigation
- Knox News: Was Ricky Lewis’ Solitary Death in Knox County Jail Cell Preventable?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville Tennessee
- Associated Press: Blount Deputy Killed in Search for Suspect in Custody
- Google News: Knoxville in custody death
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.
