UPDATE (May 24, 2026, 8 a.m.): Suspect arrested in Jefferson Avenue homicide

Shervon Johnson, 53 of Knoxville, has been arrested and charged for the death of his wife, who was found shot outside of a Jefferson Avenue home on Saturday evening.

Officers responded to 2729 Jefferson Avenue at around 5:30 p.m. on May 23, finding 52-year-old Lakeisha Johnson dead from an apparent gunshot.

The investigation, including a review of security footage, identified the victim’s husband, Shervon Johnson, as the suspect.

Johnson was not on scene, but officers learned that he was likely at a location on Ball Camp Road. At just before midnight, Johnson was taken into custody at that location by Community Engagement Response Team officers for charges that include second-degree murder and convicted felon in possession of a weapon.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

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Knoxville Police Department Homicide Unit detectives are pursuing strong leads after a woman was found dead behind a Jefferson Avenue home on Saturday evening.

At around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23, KPD officers responded to a home in the 2700 block of Jefferson Avenue, where a woman was found in the backyard dead from an apparent gunshot.

Homicide Unit detectives responded to the scene and are leading the investigation, which is in the early stages.

An update will be provided as the investigation progresses.