Knoxville, Tennessee, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Tadaryl Shipp has been denied parole for his role in the brutal murder of Colleen Slemmer in 1995. The parole board indicated that his case will be reviewed again in five years, emphasizing the severe nature of the crime. Shipp was only 17 years old at the time and has completed several years in prison, but the board considers the victim’s family input and the details of the crime. This decision follows recommendations for Shipp to continue improving his behavior for potential future hearings.
Knoxville, Tennessee – Tadaryl Shipp has been denied parole for his involvement in the infamous 1995 murder of Colleen Slemmer. During a parole hearing held on Wednesday, the first board member, Tim Gobble, voted against Shipp’s request for early release. Gobble recommended that Shipp’s case be reviewed again in five years, with a target date set for October 2030.
The final decision on Shipp’s parole will require four concurring votes from the seven-member parole board. Gobble highlighted the seriousness of Slemmer’s murder as a significant factor in his decision. At the time of the hearing, Shipp participated remotely from Northwest Correctional Complex in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
This hearing marks the first opportunity for Shipp to seek parole since his conviction for the brutal murder of Slemmer on January 12, 1995. Shipp was only 17 years old and resided in Memphis at the time of the crime. Together with his then-girlfriend Christa Gail Pike, Shipp lured Slemmer away from the Knoxville Job Corps Center under the false pretense of smoking marijuana. Along with their friend Shadolla Peterson, they committed the murder that horrified the community.
The violent attack on Slemmer involved slashing and tormenting her with a mini cleaver and a box cutter while she begged for her life. The murder lasted between 30 minutes to an hour, during which Shipp retrieved Slemmer when she attempted to escape. Ultimately, Slemmer died from blunt force trauma inflicted by a chunk of asphalt, while Pike kept a piece of her skull as a grisly souvenir.
Slemmer’s semi-nude body was discovered the next day, and the three perpetrators were arrested just days following the crime. Because Shipp was a juvenile at the time, he avoided the death penalty during his trial. In contrast, Pike, who is now 50 years old, faces an execution date set by the Tennessee Supreme Court for September 30, 2026, and will have a choice between lethal injection or the electric chair at Riverbend Maximum Security Institution in Nashville.
Following Gobble’s recommendation, Shipp is advised to complete institutional programming and maintain positive behavior to improve his chances for future parole hearings. The parole board also weighs various factors for eligibility, including the nature of the crime, the duration of time served, and input from the victim’s family.
However, current contact information for May Martinez, a family member of Slemmer, is unavailable to the board’s victim services staff. Martinez has been informed of Shipp’s parole hearing and intends to submit a video opposing his release.
Previously, records indicated that Shipp was initially set to be eligible for a parole hearing in 2031. The Tennessee Department of Correction is currently being questioned regarding the alterations in Shipp’s eligibility timeframe.
Key Details of the Case
- Murder of Colleen Slemmer on January 12, 1995
- Tadaryl Shipp was 17 years old at the time of the crime
- The murder involved extreme violence and brutality
- Shipp avoided the death penalty due to his juvenile status
- Parole eligibility previously set for 2031, now reviewed for 2030
- Victim’s family is opposing Shipp’s release
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Colleen Slemmer?
Colleen Slemmer was the victim of a murder that took place on January 12, 1995, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
What was Tadaryl Shipp’s involvement in the case?
Tadaryl Shipp, then 17 years old, was convicted for the murder of Colleen Slemmer, along with his then-girlfriend Christa Gail Pike.
What did the parole board decide regarding Shipp’s release?
The parole board denied Shipp’s request for parole, suggesting that his case be reviewed again in five years, targeting October 2030.
What factors does the parole board consider for eligibility?
The parole board takes into account the nature of the crime, time served, and input from the victim’s family when determining eligibility for parole.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Murder Date | January 12, 1995 |
| Victim | Colleen Slemmer |
| Conviction of Shipp | Involvement in the murder |
| Initial Parole Eligibility | 2031 |
| Current Review Date | October 2030 |
| Execution Date for Pike | September 30, 2026 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Tadaryl Shipp Faces Parole Hearing After Nearly Three Decades
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Killer in 1995 Knoxville Job Corps case denied parole
- WBIR: Man convicted in Knoxville Job Corps murder up for parole
- WATE: Knoxville man charged after officers find narcotics, firearms during parole check
- WATE: Man convicted in 1990 murder denied parole again
- Wikipedia: Parole
- Google Search: Knoxville murder Colleen Slemmer
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Job Corps murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- Google News: Knoxville crime
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.
