News Summary
Eduardo DeAvila, 35, has been convicted of vehicular homicide after a crash on Pellissippi Parkway that killed two men. He was found guilty on multiple counts and will be sentenced on August 22. Evidence included a high blood alcohol level and lack of a valid driver’s license. The case highlights the severity of impaired driving incidents in the community.
Knoxville – Eduardo DeAvila, a 35-year-old man, was convicted of vehicular homicide following a crash that claimed the lives of two individuals on Pellissippi Parkway in November 2022. A jury found DeAvila guilty after a four-day trial on two counts of vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and two counts of reckless endangerment. Immediately after the verdict, a judge revoked DeAvila’s bond and ordered him to be taken into custody. He is scheduled for sentencing on August 22, 2023.
The fatal incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on November 18, 2022, when police responded to a multi-vehicle wreck on Pellissippi Parkway. DeAvila drove the wrong way on the highway for over five miles before colliding head-on with another vehicle. This collision not only killed both drivers—James E. “Bubba” Wilson, aged 49, and Stephen Traub, aged 59—but also caused their vehicle to strike a third car. In addition, a passenger in one of the vehicles sustained severe injuries from the crash.
During the investigation, it was discovered that DeAvila was operating a Honda Accord without a valid driver’s license or insurance. A blood analysis conducted shortly after the crash revealed that he had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .212, significantly above the legal limit, and tested positive for cocaine. The prosecution presented this evidence to establish DeAvila’s impaired state during the accident.
Throughout the trial, the defense contended that the prosecution did not provide sufficient evidence to support their case. They argued that there were no eyewitnesses or expert diagrams available to conclusively demonstrate DeAvila’s responsibility for the accident. Despite these arguments, the jury deliberated for approximately one hour before reaching a unanimous guilty verdict.
In Tennessee, vehicular homicide is classified as a Class B felony, which carries a potential sentence of 8 to 12 years in prison. In this case, prosecutors have indicated plans to seek consecutive sentencing on each count, which could lead to a significantly longer prison term for DeAvila.
The repercussions of this tragic incident extend beyond the legal ramifications for DeAvila. The families of the victims are left to cope with the loss of their loved ones in a senseless and preventable accident. Community advocacy for safer driving and awareness surrounding impaired driving is expected to intensify following this case, as both public and private entities strive to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This verdict underscores the serious nature of vehicular homicide and the severe consequences that can arise from driving under the influence. As DeAvila awaits sentencing, the case serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with operating a vehicle and the impact that impaired driving can have on innocent lives.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Man on Trial for Fatal Wrong-Way Collision
Knoxville Honors Samantha Monday with Law & Liberty Award
Knoxville Woman Dies in Rollover Crash
Serious Vehicle Crash in Knoxville Leaves One Injured
Knoxville Reaches Halfway Point in High-Speed Internet Expansion
Powell High School Latin Teacher to Appear on Jeopardy!
Pedestrian Killed in Fatal Crash on North Broadway, Knoxville
Knoxville Woman Indicted for Fatal Collision Involving Councilmember’s Daughter
Knoxville Tragedy: Young Woman Indicted in Fatal Crash
Tragic Turn in Knoxville: Two Teens Charged in Murder of 16-Year-Old
Additional Resources
- WATE: Knoxville Man Convicted in Drunk Driving Crash
- Wikipedia: Vehicular homicide
- Hoodline: Knoxville Man Convicted for Fatal DUI Crash
- Google Search: Knoxville Drunk Driving Incident
- WBIR: Knoxville Man Found Guilty in Fatal Crash
- Google Scholar: Vehicular Homicide Tennessee
- WSMV: Knoxville Father-to-be Killed by Drunk Driver
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Impaired Driving
- WATE: Man Killed, Driver Charged After Crash
- Google News: Knoxville Vehicular Homicide
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.
