Knoxville TN, September 13, 2025
News Summary
An 18-year-old man in Knoxville has been charged with first-degree murder following the tragic death of his 3-month-old son. Adrien Dokes was arrested after police found the infant with severe injuries while in his care. Dokes allegedly confessed to causing the injuries out of frustration. The baby was taken to a local hospital but died shortly after. An autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death as the investigation continues. Dokes is being held on a $1 million bond and is set to appear in court soon.
Knoxville Man Charged with First-Degree Murder of Infant Son
Knoxville, TN – An 18-year-old man has been charged with first-degree murder in the tragic death of his 3-month-old son. Adrien Dokes, a resident of North Knoxville, was arrested after police responded to a call regarding an unresponsive infant at an apartment on Forestal Drive on September 11, 2023.
Upon arrival around 8 p.m., officers found the baby suffering from multiple severe injuries, particularly noticeable around the neck and jaw area. Police reported that the child was in Dokes’ care at the time the injuries occurred.
Dokes allegedly confessed to police that he had squeezed the baby’s neck and chin out of frustration, resulting in the infant experiencing difficulties in breathing. He also admitted to pressing down hard on the baby’s abdomen, further contributing to the injuries sustained. The child was taken to East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, where he tragically died shortly after midnight on September 12, 2023.
An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and to evaluate the extent of the baby’s injuries, as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue. Dokes was booked into the Knox County Jail at 2 a.m. on September 12, where he is being held on a bond of $1 million.
Following the arrest, Dokes is set to appear in court for a bond hearing on Monday at 8:30 a.m. Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation to gather more details about the case and to ensure that all aspects are thoroughly examined.
Context of the Incident
Instances of infant abuse often generate significant public concern, especially regarding the safety of children in their own homes. The situation surrounding Dokes’ arrest highlights the critical importance of monitoring the behavior of caregivers and ensuring a safe environment for vulnerable children. Authorities have expressed their commitment to fully investigating the case while offering resources for families in need of assistance to prevent similar tragedies.
The legal repercussions for first-degree murder can be severe, leading to significant prison sentences if convicted. As the case progresses, the community remains focused on the well-being of children and preventing future instances of abuse.
FAQ Section
What charges were filed against Adrien Dokes?
Adrien Dokes has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of his 3-month-old son.
When did the incident occur?
The incident took place on September 11, 2023.
What were the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries?
The infant was found with severe injuries, particularly around the neck and jaw, while in Dokes’ care. He allegedly confessed to squeezing the baby’s neck and abdomen.
What is the current status of Adrien Dokes?
Dokes is currently held in Knox County Jail on a $1 million bond and is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday at 8:30 a.m.
Has the cause of death been determined?
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death and assess the injuries sustained by the infant.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Knoxville Man Charged with First-Degree Murder of Infant Son
- Wikipedia: Child abuse
- Knox News: 18-Year-Old Charged in Death of His Baby Boy in Knoxville
- Google Search: Infant abuse resources
- Hoodline: Knoxville Teen Charged with First-Degree Murder in Death of Infant Son
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
- 3B Media News: 18-Year-Old Knoxville Man Charged with Killing 3-Month-Old Baby
- Google News: Knoxville man charged with murder
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.
