Knoxville TN, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Trinity Clark, 24, was convicted on 14 charges, including vehicular homicide, after a drag racing crash in Knoxville resulted in the death of 65-year-old Michael Williams and serious injuries to his grandchildren. The jury reached a verdict in under three hours. The incident raised safety concerns in the area, particularly around schools. Clark’s sentencing is set for September 26, where she faces severe penalties for her reckless actions.
Knoxville – A 24-year-old woman from Knoxville, Trinity Clark, was found guilty on all 14 charges related to a fatal drag racing incident that occurred in January 2023. The jury’s verdict, which took less than three hours to reach, includes vehicular homicide as well as several counts of reckless aggravated assault stemming from the crash that claimed the life of 65-year-old Michael Williams and severely injured his two young grandchildren.
The tragic incident unfolded on Magnolia Avenue shortly after school dismissal, when Clark and her co-defendant, Tra’Shawn Glass, were allegedly racing their Dodge Chargers. During this high-speed race, Clark’s vehicle collided with an SUV driven by Williams, resulting in his death and causing severe injuries to his grandchildren, aged 5 and 11 at the time of the crash.
Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that Clark’s vehicle was clocked at speeds exceeding 100 mph, specifically reaching 109 mph shortly before the fatal collision. Prosecutors argued that video footage corroborated this reckless behavior, emphasizing the dangerous nature of their actions.
Glass, the co-defendant, had already pled guilty to charges related to the incident, including one count of vehicular homicide and two counts of reckless aggravated assault in April 2024, indicating an acknowledgment of his role in the events leading to the tragedy.
The defense team mounted a challenge against the prosecution, claiming that the state did not sufficiently meet the criteria for drag racing under Tennessee law, which requires proof of a defined distance or destination during the alleged race. They also questioned the reliability of the police investigation, citing missing phone evidence and suggesting that Williams’ health and medication might have contributed to the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Despite the defense’s efforts, including resting their case without presenting Clark’s testimony, the jury remained unconvinced. Judge Scott Green, presiding over the case, subsequently revoked Clark’s bond, leading to her immediate custody pending a sentencing scheduled for September 26.
This case also uncovered that Clark had a previous legal settlement of $175,000 against the city following an assault by a former police officer, although such matters were unrelated to the current case.
The incident has ignited concerns about safety in the area where it occurred, particularly considering the presence of children after school. The additional counts associated with Clark included two counts of drag racing resulting in serious bodily injury, two counts of reckless aggravated assault, and one count of driving on a suspended license.
A Tennessee Highway Patrol crash reconstructionist provided expert testimony that highlighted how Clark’s excessive speed significantly diminished the reaction time available for Williams, thereby playing a crucial role in the events that transpired.
Conclusion
The tragic outcome of this event underscores the serious dangers associated with reckless driving and the broader implications for public safety. The court’s ruling marks a critical step in addressing those concerns and holds those involved accountable for their actions.
FAQ
What charges was Trinity Clark found guilty of?
Trinity Clark was found guilty of 14 charges, including vehicular homicide, two counts of drag racing resulting in serious bodily injury, two counts of reckless aggravated assault, and one count of driving on a suspended license.
What was the outcome for co-defendant Tra’Shawn Glass?
Tra’Shawn Glass pled guilty to vehicular homicide and reckless aggravated assault in April 2024.
When is Trinity Clark’s sentencing scheduled?
Trinity Clark’s sentencing is set for September 26, 2024.
What evidence was presented during the trial?
Prosecutors presented video evidence showing both Clark and Glass driving at high speeds, with Clark’s Charger recorded at 109 mph just before the collision.
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Additional Resources
- WBIR: Day 3 of Trinity Clark Drag Race Trial
- Wikipedia: Drag Racing
- WATE: Verdict Reached in 2023 Knoxville Fatal Drag Racing Crash
- Google Search: Trinity Clark Knoxville Trial
- Knox News: Trinity Clark Found Guilty in Fatal Drag Racing Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Vehicular Homicide
- WATE: Trial of Suspect in 2023 Knoxville Fatal Drag Racing Crash Begins
- Google News: Knoxville Drag Racing News
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.
