Lawrenceburg Now

Former Lawrence resident charged in wife's homicide

Tue, 8 May 2012 10:49:41 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A former Lawrence County resident was arrested Monday in Lincoln County in connection with the murder of his wife. Fayetteville police report that officers were dispatched to Taylor Way Apartments on Wilson Parkway Monday morning in response to a call regarding an armed subject who was threatening suicide. When they arrived, officers report finding resident Courtney McKinney, 23, formerly of Summertown, had died after sustaining several gunshot wounds. Her husband, Charles McKinney, age 23, was inside the apartment, armed with a gun. The couple’s three-year-old child was reportedly present at the time of the shooting. Charles McKinney was arrested on charges of criminal homicide and booked through the Lincoln County Jail. He is currently being held under a bond of $950,000.

Nine thousand students educated through special meth program

Tue, 8 May 2012 10:48:54 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

District Attorney General Mike Bottoms announced this week that nine thousand students within the 22nd Judicial District participated in a special methamphetamine education program offered during the month of April. In conjunction with the “Meth Destroys” Campaign, speaker David Parnell brought his “Facing the Dragon” presentation to students in Lawrence, Giles, Maury and Wayne Counties within a three day period. Parnell began his speaking tour at Lawrence County High School on April 16, ending in Wayne County on April 19. Bottoms said the program, offered through the District Attorney’s office, was presented through the assistance of Sheriffs Jimmy Brown, Kyle Helton, Enoch George and Ric Wilson as well as Directors of Schools Dr. Bill Heath, Eddie Hickman, Gailand Grinder, and Tee Jackson. “They are to be commended,” said Bottoms, “for their forward-thinking in educating today’s youth about the deadly methamphetamine drug. The School Directors welcome insightful programs into their schools and this is a major step forward in combating meth. “The “Meth Destroys” Campaign is an important tool in educating entire communities about the dangers of the deadly drug, as well. Even though 9,000 school students were able to attend these programs, many individuals have not had that opportunity.” Any person or organization interested in obtaining a DVD copy of “Meth Destroys” is encouraged to contact Bottoms’ office at 762-7777, or the office of Assistant District Attorney Brent Cooper at 931-380-2536.

Man charged with being drunk at jail

Tue, 8 May 2012 10:48:12 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A man who came to the local jail to accept service of a warrant garnered an additional charge when it was determined that he was intoxicated. Police reports show that Timothy Brett McAnally, age 47, came to the Lawrence County Detention Center Sunday to accept service of a warrant, charging him with the crime of domestic assault. While he was there officers report McAnally appeared to be intoxicated. McAnally reportedly told deputies that he had drank beer earlier with friends. Although his vehicle was in the parking lot, he said a friend had driven it there for him. Breathalyzer results registered his blood alcohol level at .146. McAnally was subsequently arrested on a charge of public intoxication. He will be required to answer both charges in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on June 19, 2012.

Man admittedly high on meth thanks officers for arrest

Tue, 1 May 2012 12:00:18 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A Lewis County man arrested late Monday following the search of a wooded area in the western portion of the county and the assault of three police officers, ended up thanking them for the opportunity to “stop using” the drug. Daniel Lee Brewer, 31, of 168 Ashley Road, Hohenwald, was booked through the Lawrence County Detention Center on charges that include three counts of aggravated assault of a police officer, vandalism, evading arrest and criminal trespassing. Deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to 691 Brush Creek Road around 8:30 p.m. in regards to an unwanted person. While en route they were informed that there was an outstanding warrant against the suspect issued through Lewis County, that he was armed with some type of knife, and that he appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. When they arrived, deputies report that Brewer fled out the rear door of the home, into a wooded area. A fifteen minute search ensued. At that point, deputies report spotting Brewer, armed with what appeared to be a box cutter-type knife, hiding in a brush pile. Deputies report Brewer refused to drop the weapon when ordered repeatedly to do so. One deputy was able to knock the knife out of his hand while others pulled him from the brush pile. Reports show that Brewer violently resisted arrest, striking and kicking deputies numerous times. One kick, reports show, broke a deputy’s holster. Once Brewer was eventually subdued and arrested, deputies conducted a search of his person. They report he had a knife with the blade open concealed in one pocket, and a syringe, straw, and aluminum foil, all bearing drug residue. Reports show that he admitted he had “shot up” approximately two grams of meth shortly before the incident. Following his arrest, deputies note that Brewer thanked them for arresting him, saying that “now he might actually get a chance to stop using meth and give his body a chance to rest.” Brewer is slated for an initial appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on June 19, 2012.

Authorities delve into dog theft allegation

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:59:31 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

An investigation was initiated Monday after a Lawrenceburg man told law enforcement officers he believed his dog had been stolen from his home. Officers with the Lawrenceburg Police Department were summoned to the First Street home around 4:45 p.m. The resident reported his “blue” pit bull, brownish in color, wearing a leather collar with a blue zip tie, had gone missing from his fenced back yard. He said that the dog had been inside the fence when he left around 8:00 a.m. He returned around 4:00 p.m. to discover the dog was missing. Although there were no witnesses to an actual theft, neighbors reported seeing a white Chevrolet Z-71 truck with a chrome toolbox, driving slowly along the alleyway that runs to the rear of the property. The dog is valued at $700. The case currently remains under investigation. Anyone who has information pertinent to the investigation is encouraged to contact the police department at 762-2276.

Caller poses as department of labor rep

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:58:41 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

At the recommendation of state officials, an investigation was initiated last week after a local businessman reported a caller had impersonated a representative of the Tennessee Department of Labor. The business owner reported to deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department that he had recently opted to hire fulltime, an employee who had previously been working on a temporary basis. He said that fulltime employees receive a $1 per hour bonus. When the employee received his paycheck, the business owner said he became upset because the bonus was not included. He said that he explained that the paycheck was for a period prior to his fulltime status, but that the man walked out. The owner told deputies that a short time later he received a call from a woman claiming to be with the Department of Labor, indicating that she had received a complaint regarding the matter. He said during the conversation she became agitated and abusive toward him. She then informed him that she would be at his business at 1:00 to “settle the dispute.” Reports indicate the owner telephoned the Department of Labor to confirm the woman’s employment and to issue a complaint regarding her “unprofessional attitude.” Representatives said there was no such person employed with the department and asked that he speak with their legal department. Legal department employees then advised him to file a criminal report with a local law enforcement agency. Investigation into the matter is continuing at the present time.

Baby injured in domestic altercation

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:57:50 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Charges were issued against a Lawrenceburg man on Sunday after he was allegedly involved in a domestic altercation during which his baby sustained an injury. Scott Allen Pufhal, 23, was arrested shortly after 4:00 p.m. at his Mahr Avenue home. Officers with the Lawrenceburg Police Department indicate Pufhal was arrested as the result of investigation into an assault incident involving him and his girlfriend. Reports show that Pufhal and the victim, age 20, had been involved in an argument. While he denied any physical assault had occurred, the girlfriend reported he had struck her repeatedly. Officers noted she had sustained a bite mark on her left cheek. The victim told officers that she had been holding their three month old daughter throughout the assault. Officers reported they believed the baby sustained “a small bruise to the forehead as an unintentional target of Pufhal’s punches.” Reports show that during the arrest Pufhal became uncooperative and that he was verbally abusive toward the victim. Pufhal was booked through the Lawrence County Detention Center on charges of domestic assault and reckless endangerment. An initial appearance of June 1, 2012, has been scheduled through Lawrence County General Sessions Court.

Resident awakened at gunpoint by Alabama bail bondsman

Tue, 1 May 2012 11:56:37 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Local law enforcement officers were asked to initiate an investigation last week after a resident reported an Alabama bail bondsman broke into her home and awakened her at gunpoint. The victim, a sixty-five-year-old Leoma resident, reported the matter to deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday. She said that around 3:00 a.m. the previous Monday, she awoke when a strange man ordered her to “get up.” She found a white male, around forty five years of age, standing inside her bedroom, bearing a handgun. She told deputies that the man identified himself as Douglas Sens of Number One Bail Bonds. The victim stated that the intruder informed her he was going to search her home in an attempt to locate one of her male relatives. She said that he searched from room to room. When he entered her son’s bedroom he pointed the gun at him until he knew that he was not the man he sought. The victim reported that once the intruder was satisfied that the relative was not inside her home, he left immediately. She told deputies that she had been in fear throughout the entire ordeal, expressing that she did wish to pursue charges against him. Investigation into the matter is underway at the present time.

Deputies assaulted while making arrest

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:35:24 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

An individual who was being arrested on public intoxication charges Saturday night picked up a couple of assault charges as well after he became combative with police officers. Reports filed through the Lawrenceburg Police Department show that officers were dispatched to a Lawrence Street home after a caller reported two men were fighting in the front yard. When they arrived, officers report that Benjamin Ray Cooper, 30, of 235 Lawrence Street, was being held down in the front yard by some other individuals. They report that he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and was “very combative” with officers. Reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department show that deputies were assisting in the matter. They report that Cooper was handcuffed while on the ground. As they were helping him up, they report that he turned and spat in the face of one deputy. While resisting arrest, they report that he caused a cut to one deputy’s arm and an injury to his knee. Cooper was transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center where he was booked under one count of public intoxication and two counts of assault on a police officer. He was scheduled a preliminary appearance in Lawrence County General Sessions Court of June 7, 2012.

Two arrested in wake of vehicular assault

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:34:38 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Two residents of southern Lawrence County were taken into custody in the wake of a vehicular assault incident that occurred Sunday evening. According to reports filed through the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies were dispatched to intervene in a fight at 201 Chestnut Street, Iron City around 7:30 p.m. The female victim, age 24, reported that her husband had come to the home to collect some of his belongings. She said that she was standing on a running board on his truck, and that they were talking. She told deputies that he accelerated rapidly, slinging her to the ground. Deputies indicate that, as a result, the victim sustained abrasions on both knees. The victim reported that as a result of the incident, her husband, Wesley Eldin Sewell, 28, of 191 Mt. Nebo Road, Loretto became involved in a physical altercation with James Calvin Hand, 41, of 55 South Walnut Street, Iron City. Upon their arrival deputies report that Sewell had sustained a large bruise across his nose and that his right eye was swollen. Hand, they said, had a large laceration over his left eye that was bleeding heavily. He told deputies that he sustained the injury when Sewell slammed his head into the ledge of the concrete porch. As a result of the fight both Sewell and Hand were placed under arrest and transported to the Lawrence County Detention Center. Hand was booked under one count of assault. Sewell garnered charges of assault and aggravated domestic assault. Both men will answer the charges in Lawrence County General Sessions Court on June 19, 2012.

Arrest made in stabbing at local bar

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:33:51 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A Lawrenceburg man was jailed in connection with a stabbing incident that occurred at a local bar in the early hours Saturday. Jasper Edward Lewis, 38, of 118 Countrywood Drive, was booked through the Lawrence County Detention Center on charges of attempted first degree murder. Sheriff’s Department reports show that deputies were dispatched to Stone Pony Bar, 250 International Drive, around 12:30 a.m. When they arrived on the scene, deputies report several individuals were yelling at an injured man to be still and stop walking around. The deputy noted that the man had sustained several serious cuts to his body and was covered in blood. Witnesses reported that Lewis and the victim, age 39, had become involved in an argument inside the bathroom. When the victim went outside “to get away from the argument,” they report that Lewis pulled a knife from his pocket and followed. The pair began fighting in the parking lot, they said, and during the fight the victim was stabbed repeatedly. Bystanders broke up the fight and disarmed Lewis. One reported using his belt as a makeshift tourniquet in an attempt to staunch the blood flow from one of the victim’s wounds. They told deputies that it was at that point that Lewis left. Deputies noted that the victim had sustained a stab wound to one arm that was “pouring blood.” A second cut to the victim’s throat was said to be bleeding badly, as well. Deputies described the third wound as a cut that extended “from the victim’s throat to the belly button, deep enough to see internal organs.” They reported that the victim experienced a great loss of blood. The victim was quickly transported for medical attention. He underwent surgery and, officials say, is expected to make a full recovery. Deputies then made their way to Lewis’ home where they were able to make contact. They report that he had sustained several abrasions to his face and body. They indicate that he exited his home when ordered to do so, but that he resisted once he was being handcuffed. Lewis was jailed without bond. He is slated to answer the charges against him through Lawrence County General Sessions Court.

Account fraudulently used for online purchase

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:32:57 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

An investigation was initiated late last week after a Lawrenceburg resident discovered someone had fraudulently used her bank account to make an online purchase. The victim, age 53, explained to Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies Friday that while checking her bank account statement online, she noticed an unauthorized purchase. She said that someone used her bank card to make a purchase of $355.47 from Walmart.com. The victim indicated that she had already called to cancel the card. In addition, she said that she had already contacted Walmart officials. They advised her to file a police report and fax a copy to them. She said that she was assured that she would be reimbursed for any fraudulent purchases.

Victim reports she was sexually assaulted at bar

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:32:05 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A Lawrenceburg woman filed a complaint with law enforcement officers early Saturday, reporting that she had been sexually assaulted while inside a local bar. The thirty-year-old victim reported the crime around 2:30 a.m. She told deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department that while at B.J.’s Bar, a man touched her in a sexual manner. When she told him she did not appreciate his sexual advances, she said he made crude sexual remarks about other women. The victim told deputies that they walked outside to the parking lot and that she and her assailant became involved in an argument. She said that during the argument he pushed her to the ground and began to kick her in the face. According to reports the victim left the business and returned to her home. She then placed a 911 call to report the crime. Investigation into the allegations is currently on-going through the department’s Criminal Investigation Division.

Jury pronounces Owens guilty of murder

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:46:13 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A jury returned a guilty verdict Friday morning against a Lawrenceburg man accused of murdering his wife inside their Treetop Trail home in February of 2009. Jurors deliberated for 3 ½ hours Thursday evening after hearing testimony since the previous Monday. They broke for the night at 8:00 p.m., returning to continue deliberations Friday morning. In the end, the panel of six men and six women determined that sixty-year-old Danny Owens, who had been indicted on one count of first degree murder, was guilty of the lesser offense of second degree murder. Owens was accused of killing wife Vicki Owens, 57, inside their home on February 8, 2009. He summoned emergency personnel to the home around 11:00 a.m., saying that his wife had committed suicide. He told authorities that he was inside the garage at the time he heard the shot. Owens was arrested on the indictment eighteen months. Vicki Owens died as the result of a single gunshot wound to the head. Investigators at the scene testified that she was shot with a Smith and Wesson .357 magnum revolver that was found on the floor near the rocking chair where she was found. Testimony was offered, indicating that the gun was lying in an odd spot to have fallen from her hand. Witnesses also pointed out that the wound itself was at an odd angle. Medical Examiner Feng Li testified that the wound was at a sharp downward angle. The bullet entered through the right cheek, exited the left side of the neck, passed through the left shoulder, then into a nearby table. He also stated that the gun was not in contact with the cheek when the round was fired, but was a short distance away from the face. Key testimony was given by lead investigator Parker Hardy and investigator Patrick Daniels. They testified that when the chamber of the revolver was initially opened the sole spent round was situated just to the left of the hammer. Had Vicki Owens fired the fatal round, Hardy, and firearms experts, said the round aligned with the hammer would have been the spent round. They explained that the only way to change the position of the spent round was through further human manipulation. Forensics experts testified that no blood or viable prints were found on the gun. The results of a gunshot residue test conducted on Vicki Owens were said to be “inconclusive.” A gunshot residue test conducted on Danny Owens was not processed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab because it was considered a makeshift kit, utilizing wooden-shafted rather than plastic-shafted cotton swabs. Defense attorneys maintained that Vicki Owens had been depressed and in pain and that this led to her suicide. They indicated that she had been prescribed several medications for pain and depression, saying that the Physician’s Drug Reference warned those taking the drugs to be on the alert for increased depression or increases in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They maintained that some of her depression stemmed from her husband’s infidelity. The second degree murder conviction carries a penalty of 15 to 25 years imprisonment. The exact number of years Owens will serve will be determined during a sentencing hearing scheduled for June 4. He will be required to serve 100% of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Trailer recently stolen from restaurant is recovered

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:45:20 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

A trailer recently stolen from a Lawrenceburg restaurant was recovered and returned to the owner last week after a police officer spotted a vehicle suspected to have been used in the commission of the crime. The 12-foot single axle, box trailer filled with restaurant supplies was stolen from outside Pat’s Café on Massey Avenue. Reports filed through the Lawrenceburg Police Department show that the trailer and contents had an estimated value of $10,000. Video surveillance showed a truck being backed up to the trailer and the driver picking up the lock after it was cut from the tongue. Reports indicate that on Saturday, April 7, an officer reported spotting the truck believed to have been used in the theft, at a home on Buffalo Road. When confronted, the resident told officers he had sold the trailer to a business in Madison, Tennessee, for $500, but said that it would be “no problem” to get it back. Consulting with detectives with Metro Nashville Police Department, local agents went to the business and were able to recover the trailer. It was transported back to Lawrenceburg, positively identified, and then returned to the owner. Investigators with the police department plan to present evidence in the case to the Lawrence County Grand Jury, seeking to have criminal charges brought against the suspect.

The Wizard of Oz to be performed at SHS

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 11:44:23 -0500

News from Lawrenceburg Now.com

Join Summertown High School’s Theater Arts class for an evening of special effects and laughter when they perform “The Wizard of Oz” written by Adele Thane. The performances will be on April 20th and 21st at 7p.m. in the high school’s little theater. Admission is $5 at the door. The production’s director, Dena Miller, describes the play as “a wonderful feast for the senses.” The play has many sets, scene changes, and utilizes the entire theater for staging. “It is very challenging to recreate such a fantastic film on our tiny stage with our limited resources,” Miller says. “But I feel like my students have all contributed so much creatively, that anyone who sees the show will be impressed.” Also included in this production are some of the famous songs from the film that many know and love, like “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “If I Only had the Brains,” “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” and many more. The cast includes seniors Jessica Diaz, Emily Hawkins, Lucas Riddle, James Kuehnhold, Rob Higgs; juniors Deidra Connelly, Marlayna Connelly, Chris Jones; and sophomores Madison Pitts, Faith Hardwick, Anna Kerstiens, Mary Ray, Mary Beth Pigg, and Luke Shepherd. As a special treat, John Hubbach will be performing songs from the film and his own original compositions before the play and during intermission. Come and watch Dorothy and Toto embark on a fun and exciting adventure on their way back to Kansas!