Knoxville, TN — A Knoxville man has been convicted of second-degree murder after shooting his roommate in December 2023 during an argument over a dog.* On December 23, 2023, Knoxville Police Department officers responded to a shooting on East Oldham Avenue, where they found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
According to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office, 35-year-old Stefen White and the victim had been engaged in a heated argument about White’s refusal to clean up after his dogs when the situation escalated. In a shocking turn of events, White pulled out a handgun and shot the victim three times in the chest. The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
During the investigation, White claimed that the victim had punched him, but no evidence of an assault was found. Witnesses to the altercation also contradicted White’s version of events, stating that no punch had been thrown. Furthermore, there were no signs of injury to White, undermining his defense. Knox County District Attorney Charme Allen expressed concern over the tragic outcome, emphasizing how a minor dispute can quickly spiral into violence. “This is another tragic example of an argument escalating to violence,” Allen said in a statement. “The hard work of everyone involved brought a swift resolution to this case.” On Wednesday, White was convicted of second-degree murder, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole.
The case highlights the dangers of domestic disputes turning violent, particularly when firearms are involved. White’s sentencing is scheduled for February 21, 2024.
