News Summary
A 19-year-old Knoxville man, Charles Dakota Coffman, faces charges including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated kidnapping after a violent incident that left the victim with severe injuries. Police discovered the injured man during a welfare check, leading to the arrest of Coffman, who also allegedly confessed to the assault. With a missing child linked to the case, Coffman’s actions raise serious concerns about domestic violence and child endangerment. He remains in custody as legal proceedings unfold.
Knoxville Man Charged with Attempted Murder and Kidnapping
A 19-year-old man from Knoxville, Tennessee, identified as Charles Dakota Coffman, has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including attempted second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, tampering with evidence, and theft, following a violent assault that left the victim with severe injuries.
Details of the Incident
The violent incident took place on Sunday at a residence located at 1200 Mercer Street. During a routine welfare check, officers discovered a man naked in the bathroom, suffering from serious head injuries. The presence of a strong smell of bleach in the bathroom raised immediate concerns.
The victim was subsequently transported to the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where medical professionals diagnosed him with a subdural hematoma and other potential injuries requiring careful evaluation. Concurrently, reports surfaced of a missing 3-year-old child and the victim’s Ford Expedition vehicle.
Discovery and Arrest
Authorities in Sevierville located both the missing child and Coffman, along with a woman, inside the stolen vehicle. Upon questioning, Coffman alleged that the child’s mother had requested him to pick up her child. However, the mother denied ever communicating with Coffman and expressed disbelief that she would ever grant him permission to take custody of her child.
Coffman’s Admissions
During interrogation, Coffman confessed to engaging in a physical altercation with the victim. He detailed how he had physically assaulted the victim, which included slamming him onto the ground, delivering multiple punches to the face, and striking him with a toilet plunger. He also claimed to have stuffed the plunger into the victim’s mouth and dragged him into the bathroom, where he stripped him naked and poured bleach on the victim’s wounds.
Aftermath and Evidence
Following the assault, it was reported that a witness in the vehicle with Coffman heard him expressing concern that he might have killed the victim. Additionally, while in police custody, Coffman wrote an apology letter to the victim, further highlighting the gravity of the violent encounter.
Current Status
Coffman remains incarcerated in the Knox County Jail as authorities process the case. As of the most recent report, his bond has not been set. The child involved in the incident was transported to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital for evaluation, ensuring their safety and well-being following this disturbing episode.
Context of the Charges
Attempted murder and aggravated kidnapping are serious felonies in Tennessee, often resulting in severe legal consequences upon conviction. Coffman’s case will be closely monitored as it unfolds in the legal system, particularly given the violent nature of the offenses and the involvement of a child.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the complexities surrounding domestic violence and child endangerment cases that law enforcement agencies must navigate. Efforts to ensure the safety of victims are paramount in such situations, highlighting the critical need for community awareness and intervention.
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Additional Resources
- WCAX News
- Wikipedia: Assault
- WBIR News
- Google Search: Knoxville attempted murder
- WATE News
- Google Scholar: Attempted murder Tennessee
- 3B Media News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kidnapping
- Crime Online
- Google News: Knoxville child kidnapping
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF 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.
