Appellate Court Opinions

State of Tennessee v. Jereme Walker Amis

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:50:09 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Jereme Walker Amis

Case Number

W2025-00359-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. Campbell, Sr.

Originating Judge

Judge Bruce Irwin Griffey

Date Filed

Thu, 06/18/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Jereme Walker Amis, was convicted in the Benton County Circuit Court of possession of a firearm after having been convicted ofa felony crime of violence, a Class B felony, possession of a firearm after having been convicted of felony drug offense, a Class C felony, and violating the conditions of his community supervision, a Class E felony. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court merged the convictions ofpossessing a firearm and sentenced himto an effective sentence of twenty-four years in confinement. On appeal, the Defendantcontends thatthe trial court committed plain errorby refusing to accept his offer to stipulate tohis prior felony convictions,that the trial court abused its discretionby denying his request to bifurcatethe chargeofviolating the conditions of his community supervision, and that his effective sentence is excessive. Based upon the oral arguments, the record, and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

State of Tennessee v. Scott A. Stiner

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:21:58 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Scott A. Stiner

Case Number

E2025-00538-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Zachary R. Walden

Date Filed

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Scott A. Stiner, was convicted by a Union County Criminal Court jury of soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class C felony, and four counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child less than thirteen years of age, a Class B felony. See T.C.A. §§ 39-13-529(soliciting sexual exploitation of a minor)1(2018)(subsequently amended), 39-13-504 (aggravated sexual battery) (2018)(subsequently amended). The trial court sentenced the Defendant to an effective fifty-four-year sentence. On appeal, the Defendant contends that (1)he did not receive a fair trial because the allegations and acts that constitute the basis of the convictions were different than the allegations in the indictment and the bill of particulars;(2) the court erred by failing to sever the offenses during the trial; (3) the evidence is insufficient to support his aggravated sexual battery of a child less than thirteen years of age conviction in Count 6;(4) he did not receive a unanimous verdict for aggravated sexual battery in Count 3; (5) the court erred by denying his motion for a mistrial; (6) the court erred in admitting evidence in contravention of Tennessee Rule of Evidence 404(b); (7) the court erred in admitting a diagram that was not properly authenticated; (8)the court erred by allowing expert testimony that went beyond the scope of the witness’s expertise; and (9) the court erred by ordering consecutive sentencing on all counts. We affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Verchaunt Joshua Williams v. State of Tennessee

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:58:52 +0000

Verchaunt Joshua Williams v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2026-00545-CCA-R28-PC

Dispositive Order

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.; Judge Timothy L. Easter; Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Date Filed

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:00

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The pro se Petitioner, Verchaunt Joshua Williams, has filed an application for permission to appeal the trial court’s order denying his motion to reopen his prior post-conviction petition. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-30-117; Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 28, Sec. 10(B). For the reasons stated below, the Court hereby denies the Petitioner’s application.

State of Tennessee v. Thomas Koontz

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:19:27 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Thomas Koontz

Case Number

E2025-01042-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge John F. Dugger, Jr.

Date Filed

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Thomas Koontz, appeals the judgment of the Criminal Court for Hamblen County revoking his probation and ordering execution of his original eight‑year,
six‑month sentence. He argues that the trial court (1) imposed an illegal sentence by altering his release eligibility from thirty percent to one hundred percent, and (2) failed to make the requisite findings on the record to justify ordering him to serve the entire sentence in confinement. Following our review of the record, the arguments and briefs of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the trial court’s finding that Defendant violated his probation and the revocation of probation; however, the trial court failed to articulate sufficient findings regarding the consequences imposed, as required by State v. Dagnan, 641 S.W.3d 751 (Tenn. 2022). Because the record is insufficiently developed for meaningful de novo review, we remand for entry of findings on the record consistent with Dagnan.

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. MAWULE TEPE

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:15:48 +0000

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. MAWULE TEPE

Case Number

E2026-00907-CCA-T10B-CO

Dispositive Order

Authoring Judge

JUDGE ROBERT H. MONTGOMERY, JR. JUDGE TOM GREENHOLTZ JUDGE STEVEN W. SWORD

Originating Judge

Chancellor Andrew M. Freiberg

Date Filed

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Mawule Tepe, has filed a pro se petition seeking the recusal of
Bradley County General Sessions Court Judge Clayton Collins and Bradley County
Criminal Court Judge Andrew M. Freiberg from presiding over any of the Defendant’s
pending proceedings in those courts. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 10B § 2.01. We have
determined that an answer from the State is not necessary. Id. §2.05 (“[i]f the appellate
court, based upon its review of the petition and supporting documents, determines that no
answer from the other parties is needed, the court may act summarily on the appeal”).
Following our review, the Defendant’s petition is summarily DISMISSED.

State of Tennessee v. Scott A. Stiner - Concurring

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:23:35 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Scott A. Stiner - Concurring

Case Number

E2025-00538-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Zachary R. Walden

Date Filed

Wed, 06/17/2026 - 12:00

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I agree with the majority in affirming the trial court’s judgments and legal conclusions, save for one issue. I write separately to express my disagreement with the majority opinion regarding the trial court’s decision to admit evidence of an uncharged sexual assault of a baby pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Evidence 404(b). I would find that the introduction of this evidence was in error; however, I would further find that the error was harmless in these circumstances and would affirm the convictions despite the error.

State of Tennessee v. Louis L. Steele

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:12:34 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Louis L. Steele

Case Number

W2025-01690-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge Weber McCraw

Date Filed

Tue, 06/16/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Louis L. Steele, was convicted by a Hardeman County Jury of one count of indecent exposure in a penal facility, and the trial court imposed a Range II, three-year sentence to be served in the Department of Correction, consecutively to his Davidson County sentence. On appeal, Defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction. Following our review of the entire record and the briefs of the parties, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

State of Tennessee v. Ulester A. Cross

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 14:36:40 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Ulester A. Cross

Case Number

W2025-01461-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge Joseph T. Howell

Date Filed

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Ulester A. Cross, pled guilty to three counts of driving while his license was suspended, and one count each of simple possession of marijuanaand introducing contraband into a penal facility. He received an effective sentence of four years as a Range I offender, to be served on probationfollowing service of forty-five days. Following a hearing on a warrant for violation of his probation, the trial court revoked Defendant’s probation and ordered him to serve the balance of his original sentence incarcerated. Defendant appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in revoking probationwithout making sufficient findings. Following a review of the entire record, the briefs of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

State of Tennessee v. Danterrio Devonta Poplar

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 15:32:08 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Danterrio Devonta Poplar

Case Number

W2025-00108-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge J. Weber McCraw

Date Filed

Mon, 06/15/2026 - 12:00

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A Hardeman County jury convicted the Defendant, Danterrio Devonta Poplar, of evading arrest in a motor vehicle while creating a risk of death or injury to others. The trial court imposed a three-year sentence, with 75 days of incarceration and the balance to be served on supervised probation. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the prosecutor improperly vouched for the credibility of law enforcement witnesses during voir dire and rebuttal closing argument and that the trial court should have given a curative instruction following the prosecutor’s statement. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Andrew J. Withers v. Withers Collection, Inc., et al.

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 21:12:06 +0000

Andrew J. Withers v. Withers Collection, Inc., et al.

Case Number

W2024-01929-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Carma Dennis McGee

Originating Judge

Judge Rhynette N. Hurd

Date Filed

Fri, 06/12/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal arises from a complaint originally filed in the Shelby County chancery court
that sought the removal of the trustee of a trust based on alleged breaches of fiduciary
duties, breach of trust, conversion of trust property, and other claims. The chancellor who
was assigned the case determined that he had a conflict of interest requiring him to recuse
himself. The other chancellors in the judicial district were also unable to hear the case, and
the original chancellor signed an order transferring the case to the circuit court. The circuit
court entered an order removing the trustee. The defendants filed this appeal. Finding that
the circuit court lacked subject matter jurisdiction, we vacate the removal of the trustee and
remand for transfer of the case back to a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

Xavier Young v. State of Tennessee

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:20:00 +0000

Xavier Young v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

W2025-01639-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge James Jones, Jr.

Date Filed

Fri, 06/12/2026 - 12:00

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The Petitioner, Xavier Young, appeals the Shelby County Criminal Court’s denial of postconviction
relief from his guilty plea to one count of carjacking. The Petitioner argues that
he received ineffective assistance of counsel and that his guilty plea was unknowing and
involuntary. We affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Devan Denton v. State of Tennessee

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:44:56 +0000

Devan Denton v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

W2025-01111-CCA-R3-HC

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge Carlyn L. Addison

Date Filed

Fri, 06/12/2026 - 12:00

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A Shelby County jury convicted the Petitioner, Devan Denton, of several crimes, including three counts of aggravated rape. The trial court sentenced the Petitioner to an effective sentence of fifteen years to be served in the Tennessee Department of Correction, and the Petitioner wassubsequentlyhoused in the Turney Center Industrial Complex in Hickman County, Tennessee. However, he was temporarily moved to the Shelby County Jailfor proceedings stemming from his post-conviction petition. While being held in Shelby County, the Petitioner filed a petition for habeas corpus relief, which the habeas corpus court denied after a hearing. It is from this habeas corpus proceeding that the Petitioner appeals. We affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

Charlotte R. Sappo v. 4404 Holdings, LLC

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:48:12 +0000

Charlotte R. Sappo v. 4404 Holdings, LLC

Case Number

M2025-00279-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Andy D. Bennett

Originating Judge

Chancellor Anne C. Martin

Date Filed

Thu, 06/11/2026 - 12:00

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A homeowner brought suit against the owner of the house next door, asserting a claim for breach of a joint driveway agreement and an alternative action for a declaratory judgment that the neighbor had abandoned the easement created by the driveway agreement. The neighbor filed counterclaims for a declaratory judgment, trespass, and an alternative claim for rescission for failure of consideration. After a trial, the trial court entered a final order determining the boundaries of the easement established by the driveway agreement; the court rejected the plaintiff’s claims for breach of the easement and abandonment as well as the defendant’s claim for trespass. On appeal, the plaintiff argues that the trial court erred in its rulings regarding the boundaries of the easement, its denial of her claims for breach of the easement and abandonment, and in its award of discretionary costs to the defendant. We find no error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.

State of Tennessee v. Bruce Allen Ivy, Jr.

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:28:35 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Bruce Allen Ivy, Jr.

Case Number

W2025-00306-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge Bruce Irwin Griffey

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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A Carroll County jury convicted the Defendant, Bruce Allen Ivy, Jr., of rape of a child and two counts of aggravated sexual battery, and the trial court sentenced him to a total effective sentence of fifty-two years imprisonment. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.

Daniel Burstiner v. Brian Boyd et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:55:08 +0000

Daniel Burstiner v. Brian Boyd et al.

Case Number

M2025-01241-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford

Originating Judge

Judge M. Caleb Bayless

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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After the trial court granted Appellees’ motion to dismiss, Appellant sought relief from the order pursuant to Rule 60.02 of the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. The trial court denied the Rule 60.02 motion. The trial court then denied Appellant’s request pursuant to Rule 59.04 for relief from the denial of his Rule 60.02 motion. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm the trial court’s ruling.

Bobby V. Summers v. Johnny Fitz, Warden

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:29:30 +0000

Bobby V. Summers v. Johnny Fitz, Warden

Case Number

W2025-00886-CCA-R3-HC

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge A. Blake Neill

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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The Petitioner, Bobby V. Summers, acting pro se, appeals from the summary dismissal of
his petition for writ of habeas corpus. The Petitioner’s handwritten brief is largely
incoherent and difficult to decipher; however, we understand him to present four primary
arguments: (1) that facilitation of first degree murder is not a valid offense; (2) that his
conviction is void because no principal offender was prosecuted or convicted; (3) that the
indictment or charging instrument was defective and therefore void; and (4) that his guilty
plea was involuntary because counsel “tricked,” “duped,” or “coerced” him. The habeas
corpus court summarily dismissed the petition, finding it procedurally defective and raising
no cognizable claim. After careful review, we affirm.

IN RE JADEN H.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 20:08:44 +0000

IN RE JADEN H.

Case Number

E2024-01825-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor James H. Ripley

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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In this termination action, the trial court terminated the father’s parental rights to his
minor child based upon two statutory grounds, finding that those grounds had been
proven by clear and convincing evidence. The court also found by clear and
convincing evidence that termination of the father’s parental rights was in the
child’s best interest. The father has appealed. Discerning no reversible error, we
affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Demetriona Chameree Harper

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:53:12 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Demetriona Chameree Harper

Case Number

M2025-00602-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Matthew J. Wilson

Originating Judge

Judge Jennifer Smith

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Demetriona Chameree Harper, was convicted at a jury trial of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and assault, for which she received an effective twenty-five-year sentence. On appeal, Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting her convictions for rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery, the trial court’s admission of the recording of the victim’s forensic interview, the trial court’s exclusion of records from the Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”), the trial court’s limiting the defense’s cross-examination of witnesses and presentation of proof, and the State’s recording of a meeting between defense counsel and the defense investigator at the District Attorney General’s Office. Upon review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Michael Tomlin v. Nephrology Associates, P.C. et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:50:30 +0000

Michael Tomlin v. Nephrology Associates, P.C. et al.

Case Number

M2025-00469-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge William E. Phillips II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Russell T. Perkins

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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This is the third appeal arising from more than a decade of litigation between Plaintiff/Appellant and Defendant/Appellee regarding claims of unpaid leasing commissions and breach of contract. The sole issue on appeal is from what date should mandatory post-judgment interest begin to accrue after a remand by this court. Discerning no error in the determination of the trial court, we affirm.

Project Reflect v. Joan Anderson et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:45:43 +0000

Project Reflect v. Joan Anderson et al.

Case Number

M2025-00157-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Andy D. Bennett

Originating Judge

Judge Amanda Jane McClendon

Date Filed

Wed, 06/10/2026 - 12:00

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Thisis an appeal from the dismissal ofa nonprofitcorporation’s complaint pursuant to the doctrine of prior suit pendingbecausethe nonprofit had previously filed a lawsuit in another courtagainst the same defendantbased onsimilar claims. The nonprofit appealed. After review, we have determined that the circuit court correctly dismissed the complaint. We also use our discretion to deny the appellee’s request for fees under the frivolous appeal statute.

Toran Harper v. State of Tennessee

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:00:50 +0000

Toran Harper v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

W2025-00700-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. Campbell, Sr.

Originating Judge

Judge Lee V. Coffee

Date Filed

Tue, 06/09/2026 - 12:00

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The Petitioner, Toran Harper, appeals the Shelby County Criminal Court’s denial of his
petition for post-conviction relief, claiming that he received the ineffective assistance of
trial counsel. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Kevin Matthew Woodruff v. Jessica Ann Woodruff

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:33:56 +0000

Kevin Matthew Woodruff v. Jessica Ann Woodruff

Case Number

M2026-00759-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford

Originating Judge

Judge Kathryn Wall Olita

Date Filed

Tue, 06/09/2026 - 12:00

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This is an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right filed pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B. Because Appellant failed to provide this Court with a copy of the motion to recuse filed in the trial court,the appeal is dismissed.

State of Tennessee v. Houston Thomas Wilkes

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:58:46 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Houston Thomas Wilkes

Case Number

W2025-01424-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. Campbell, Sr.

Originating Judge

Judge Bruce Irwin Griffey

Date Filed

Tue, 06/09/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

This case comes to this court by way of a delayed appeal. The Defendant, Houston Thomas
Wilkes, was convicted in the Carroll County Circuit Court of domestic assault, violation
of a no-contact order, possession of more than .5 grams of methamphetamine with the
intent to deliver, and possession of fentanyl with the intent to deliver, for which he received
an effective sentence of thirty years as a career offender. The trial court denied the
Defendant’s motion for a new trial on the grounds that it was untimely, and the Defendant
did not file a direct appeal to this court. In a post-conviction petition, the Defendant raised
a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel based, in part, on trial counsel’s failure to file
a timely motion for new trial and a notice of appeal. Without holding an evidentiary
hearing, the post-conviction court entered an agreed order granting a delayed appeal.
Because a delayed appeal cannot be granted by agreement of the parties, we reverse and
remand to the post-conviction court for an evidentiary hearing and findings of fact
regarding whether a delayed appeal is appropriate in this case.

State of Tennessee v. John Champion

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:52:38 +0000

State of Tennessee v. John Champion

Case Number

W2025-00595-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge Jennifer Johnson Mitchell

Date Filed

Tue, 06/09/2026 - 12:00

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A Shelby County jury convicted the defendant, John Champion, of one count of sexual
battery by an authority figure. On appeal, the defendant argues that: (1) the trial court erred
in denying the defendant the use of two peremptory challenges; (2) the trial court’s failure
to dismiss the indictment due to the State’s failure to preserve evidence resulted in a
fundamentally unfair trial; (3) the trial court erred in failing to declare a mistrial following
a prejudicial misstatement by a witness; (4) the trial court failed to require the State to elect
which incident it was relying on to establish the offense; and (5) the trial court improperly
sentenced the defendant to confinement. Following a thorough review of the record, the
briefs, and applicable law, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

SHERRY KELTCH EX REL.CHARLES KELTCH v. CANDICE MARIE WILLIAMS ET AL.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:31:54 +0000

SHERRY KELTCH EX REL.CHARLES KELTCH v. CANDICE MARIE WILLIAMS ET AL.

Case Number

E2026-00607-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

JOHN W.MCCLARTY,P.J.,E.S.;THOMAS R.FRIERSON,II,J.;AND KRISTI M.DAVIS,J.

Originating Judge

Chancellor John Harvey Cameron

Date Filed

Mon, 06/08/2026 - 12:00

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This is an appeal from a final order entered on March 23, 2026. The notice of appeal was not filed with the Appellate Court Clerk until April 23, 2026, more than thirty days from the date of entry of the order from which the appellant is seeking to appeal. Because the notice of appeal was not timely filed, we have no jurisdiction to consider this appeal.

Kaileigh Marie Dunn v. Russell Allen Dunn, III

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:00:16 +0000

Kaileigh Marie Dunn v. Russell Allen Dunn, III

Case Number

M2026-00614-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Chief Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge A. Ensley Hagan, Jr.

Date Filed

Mon, 06/08/2026 - 12:00

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This is an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B § 2.02 from the trial court’s denial of a motion for recusal. Having reviewed the petition for recusal on appeal, we affirm the trial court’s decision to deny the motion for recusal.

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. MICHAEL JASON HOLLOWAY

Alexander.Montero@tncourts.gov — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 20:08:46 +0000

STATE OF TENNESSEE v. MICHAEL JASON HOLLOWAY

Case Number

E2025-01136-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge Boyd M. Patterson

Date Filed

Fri, 06/05/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Michael Jason Holloway, appeals the Hamilton County Criminal Court’s denial of judicial diversion following his guilty plea to reckless aggravated assault, a Class D felony. He also contends that the State breached a material term of the plea agreement by taking a position on diversion at the sentencing hearing. Upon review of the entire record, the briefs and arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Hamid Houbbadi v. State of Tennessee

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:57:18 +0000

Hamid Houbbadi v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2025-00650-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Timothy L. Easter

Originating Judge

Judge Robert Bateman

Date Filed

Fri, 06/05/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

Hamid Houbbadi, Petitioner, was convicted by a jury of first degree premeditated murder, first degree felony murder, and especially aggravated burglary and sentenced to life in prison plus twelve years. State v. Houbbadi, No. M2022-01751-CCA-R3-CD, 2023 WL 8525144, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. Dec. 8, 2023), perm. app. denied (Tenn. May 15, 2024). He was unsuccessful on direct appeal. Petitioner filed a pro se petition for post-conviction relief, amended pro se petition, and second amended pro se petition. He insisted on proceeding pro se. After a two-day hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief. On appeal, Petitioner argues: (1) his Fifth Amendment rights were violated; (2) the State committed a Brady violation;(3) he received ineffective assistance of counsel at trial; (4) the post-conviction court failed to address all the issues of “ineffective assistance of counsel caused by the court”; (5) the post-conviction court abused its discretion by declining to appoint elbow counsel; (6) the post-conviction court improperly ruled that service of subpoena by text message is invalid; and (7) he was denied due process of law. After a full review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

CLAUDE R. ELLIS v. MELISA JANE GODFREY ELLIS

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 20:14:49 +0000

CLAUDE R. ELLIS v. MELISA JANE GODFREY ELLIS

Case Number

E2024-01735-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Kristi M. Davis

Originating Judge

Chancellor Jerri S. Bryant

Date Filed

Fri, 06/05/2026 - 12:00

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This is a long-running divorce case on appeal to this Court for the third time. The husband
raises several issues concerning the trial court’s classification of the parties’ interests and
award of attorney’s fees to the wife. We affirm.

In Re Isaiah M.

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:44:16 +0000

In Re Isaiah M.

Case Number

E2025-01998-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Judge Suzanne Cook

Date Filed

Thu, 06/04/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

Petitioner/Mother seeks accelerated review of the trial court’s denial of her 12^th motion to recuse. A final judgment has been entered in the underlying termination of parental rights case, and Mother has appealed that judgment. Issues related to the trial court’s denial of Mother’s motion to recuse may be raised in Mother’s appeal of the trial court’s final judgment. Accordingly, we dismiss this appeal.

Jacquet Moore v. State of Tennessee

Claire.Gordon@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 16:00:40 +0000

Jacquet Moore v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

W2025-01180-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Kyle A. Hixson

Originating Judge

Judge Carlyn L. Addison

Date Filed

Thu, 06/04/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

The Petitioner, Jacquet Moore, appeals from the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief from his underlying conviction for aggravated rape. On appeal, the Petitioner maintains that he received ineffective assistance of counsel based on trial counsel’s failure to (1) perform adequate investigation in preparation for trial, including seeking funds for investigative services, and (2) effectively impeach the victim on cross-examination. As a preliminary matter, we remanded the case to the post-conviction court for the entry of an amended order to include sufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law on these two issues. After our review of the amended order, as well as the issues presented by the parties and the record on appeal, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

In Re Isaiah M.

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:51:13 +0000

In Re Isaiah M.

Case Number

E2026-00024-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Judge Suzanne Cook

Date Filed

Thu, 06/04/2026 - 12:00

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Petitioner/Mother seeks accelerated review of the trial court’s denial of her 13^th motion to recuse. Because a final judgment has been entered in the underlying termination of parental rights case, and Mother has appealed that judgment, issues related to the trial court’s denial of Mother’s recusal motion may be raised in her appeal of the final judgment. Accordingly, we dismiss this appeal.

State of Tennessee v. Howard Jefferson Atkins

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:54:25 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Howard Jefferson Atkins

Case Number

W2025-01501-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge A. Blake Neill

Date Filed

Thu, 06/04/2026 - 12:00

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The Appellant, Howard Jefferson Atkins, acting pro se, appeals from the Tipton County
Circuit Court’s summary denial of his Rule 36 motion to correct an alleged clerical error
in a juvenile transfer order entered in 2000. Having thoroughly reviewed the record, the
briefs of the parties, and applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Riley Davidson v. Shelbyville Hospital Company, LLC

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:50:09 +0000

Riley Davidson v. Shelbyville Hospital Company, LLC

Case Number

M2025-00905-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Kristi M. Davis

Originating Judge

Judge M. Wyatt Burk

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal arises out of a health care liability claim. The case proceeded to trial, and the jury entered a verdict in favor of the appellee-defendant. The appellant-plaintiff appeals the trial court’s acceptance of two of defendant’s expert witnesses. Upon diligent review of the record, we conclude that the trial court erred in allowing defendant’s causation expert witness to testify about his interpretation of a diagnostic image when his opinion about that image had not been properly disclosed as required by the Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure. We also conclude that this error more probably than not affected the judgment. We further conclude that the trial court erred in allowing defendant’s standard-of-care expert witness to testify despite not satisfying the locality rule contained in the Health Care Liability Act. However, we conclude that this error did not more probably than not affect the judgment. We vacate the jury’s verdict and the trial court’s judgment and remand this matter for a new trial.

In Re Bravon K.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:41:00 +0000

In Re Bravon K.

Case Number

M2024-01029-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Chief Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Charles B. Tatum

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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The father of the minor child appeals the termination of his parental rights. The paternal aunt and uncle, who sought custody of the minor child, appeal the denial of their motion to intervene. We affirm both decisions.

In Re Liam M.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:42:53 +0000

In Re Liam M.

Case Number

M2024-01437-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Andy D. Bennett

Originating Judge

Judge Kathryn Wall Olita

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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The circuit court determined that two grounds for termination of a mother’s parental rights to her child had been proven by clear and convincing evidence but concluded that the petitioners failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that termination of the mother’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. The petitioners appealed. Discerning no error, we affirm the circuit court’s decision.

State of Tennessee v. James Andrew Paige

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:44:36 +0000

State of Tennessee v. James Andrew Paige

Case Number

M2024-01550-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Cheryl A. Blackburn

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, James Andrew Paige, appeals from his convictions for three counts of rape, for which he is serving an eleven-year sentence in confinement. On appeal, Defendant argues that the trial court erred by(1) denying his motion for judgment of acquittal because the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions; (2)admitting the victim’s hearsay statements; and (3) failing to inquire into defense counsel’s unintentional contact with a juror or declare a mistrial. Defendant also avers that the cumulative effect of these errors entitles him to relief. We affirm.

Zurich American Insurance Company v. Tom James Company et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:47:55 +0000

Zurich American Insurance Company v. Tom James Company et al.

Case Number

M2025-00404-COA-R9-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Andy D. Bennett

Originating Judge

Chancellor Deanna B. Johnson

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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This is an interlocutory appeal concerning the scope of a commercial property insurance policy and whether the insured has stated sufficient facts to invoke coverage. The insurer filed a complaint for a declaratory judgment, seeking a declaration that the policy at issue did not provide coverage for the insured’s claimed losses. The insured filed a counterclaim seeking a declaratory judgment that the policy provided coverage and asserting a breach of contract claim. The insurer filed a motion to dismiss and for judgment on the pleadings, which the trial court denied. We granted permission for an interlocutory appeal. After interpreting the policy, we determine that the insured failed to invoke coverage, and we reverse the trial court’s contrary finding. However, we affirm the trial court’s denial of the motion to dismiss, finding that the counterclaim sufficiently stated a claim for a declaratory judgment. Because the pleadings had not closed when the trial court ruled on the motion for judgment on the pleadings, we vacate the order of the trial court and remand for further proceedings.

State of Tennessee v. Deviest Patton

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:52:58 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Deviest Patton

Case Number

M2025-01139-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Chancellor Howard W. Wilson

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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Following a bench trial, Deviest Patton (“Appellant”) was found not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial court ordered Appellant to be diagnosed and evaluated pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 33-7-303(a)(1). Upon completion of the evaluation, the State filed a complaint for judicial commitment. Following an evidentiary hearing, the court ordered Appellant to be judicially committed. On appeal, Appellant asserts the trial court erred by ordering judicial hospitalization. Discerning no error, we affirm.

IN RE ALEXANDER B.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:48:57 +0000

IN RE ALEXANDER B.

Case Number

E2025-01580-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Elizabeth C. Asbury

Date Filed

Wed, 06/03/2026 - 12:00

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In this case involving termination of a mother’s parental rights, the trial court determined
that clear and convincing evidence supported termination as to two statutory grounds:
abandonment by failure to visit and persistence of the conditions that led to the child’s
removal. The trial court did not find clear and convincing evidence to support the alleged
ground of failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume legal and physical
custody of or financial responsibility for the child. The trial court further determined that
termination of parental rights was in the child’s best interest. The mother has appealed,
contesting the termination of her parental rights and additionally arguing that the adoptive
father lacked standing to file the petition due to his criminal history and the fact that he is
not legally related to the child. Upon review, we determine that the adoptive father had
standing to file the termination petition because he had maintained physical custody of the
child for nearly a year before filing the termination petition. As to termination of the
mother’s parental rights, we reverse the trial court’s determination that the petitioners had
failed to establish the statutory ground of failure to manifest an ability and willingness to
assume legal and physical custody of the child. Accordingly, we find that statutory ground
also supports termination of the mother’s parental rights. In all other respects, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Michele Lee Ridgeway

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 13:36:03 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Michele Lee Ridgeway

Case Number

W2025-01052-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge Bruce Irwin Griffey

Date Filed

Tue, 06/02/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Michele Lee Ridgeway, pled guilty to two counts of the sale of more than 0.5 grams of methamphetamine. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of eight years suspended to supervised probation. Thereafter, the Defendant allegedly violated the terms of her probation by possessing drug paraphernalia in her residence. Following a revocation hearing, the trial court fully revoked the Defendant’s suspended sentences and ordered her to serve the remainder of her sentences in confinement. On appeal, the Defendant raises two issues: (1) whether the State proved that she violated the conditions of her suspended sentences; and (2) whether the trial court abused its discretion in fully revoking her probation as a consequence of the alleged violation. Upon our review, we conclude that the State did not prove that the Defendant violated the terms of her probation. Because we resolve the appeal on that basis, we do not reach the second issue. Accordingly, we respectfully reverse and vacate the revocation order and remand the case for dismissal of the revocation proceedings.

State of Tennessee v. Joshua Daniel Gibbons

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:41:25 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Joshua Daniel Gibbons

Case Number

E2025-00734-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Matthew J. Wilson

Originating Judge

Judge William K. Rogers

Date Filed

Tue, 06/02/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Joshua Daniel Gibbons, appeals his Sullivan County Criminal Court jury conviction of disorderly conduct, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction and that the trial court erredin its instructions to the jury. We find that the trial court erred by instructing the jury on a mode of disorderly conduct not included in the charging instrument and that, in any event, the evidence was insufficient to support Defendant’s convictionunder either mode of liability charged to the jury. Accordingly, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and dismiss the charge.

State of Tennessee v. Todd Allen Burrows, Jr.

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 13:54:57 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Todd Allen Burrows, Jr.

Case Number

E2025-01346-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Matthew J. Wilson

Originating Judge

Judge James F. Goodwin, Jr.

Date Filed

Tue, 06/02/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Todd Allen Burrows, Jr., appeals the Sullivan County Criminal Court’s revocation of his probation, arguing that the trial court erred by ordering that he serve the balance of his sentence in confinement. Because we conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion, we affirm.

Dana Denea Hickerson Page v. Richard Charles Page, Jr.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:25:36 +0000

Dana Denea Hickerson Page v. Richard Charles Page, Jr.

Case Number

M2026-00639-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Andy D. Bennett

Originating Judge

Chancellor David Henry Veile

Date Filed

Mon, 06/01/2026 - 12:00

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This is a Rule 10B interlocutory appeal of the denial of a second recusal motion. We find, as the trial court did, that the second motion is repetitive of the first and should be denied. We further grant attorney’s fees for a frivolous appeal.

State of Tennessee v. Cordero Klein Blake

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 18:40:20 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Cordero Klein Blake

Case Number

W2025-00797-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Kyle C. Atkins

Date Filed

Mon, 06/01/2026 - 12:00

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A Henderson County jury convicted the Defendant, Cordero Klein Blake, of driving while
under the influence (“DUI”) of marijuana, first offense, possession of a handgun while
under the influence, driving on a suspended license, speeding, violation of registration law,
and violation of financial responsibility law. The trial court imposed a total effective
sentence of eleven months and twenty-nine days, suspended to community corrections
supervision following service of seven days in confinement. On appeal, the Defendant
contends that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his convictions for DUI and possession
of a handgun while under the influence. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.

IN RE OLIVIA S.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 19:32:28 +0000

IN RE OLIVIA S.

Case Number

E2025-01048-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. McClarty

Originating Judge

Chancellor Keith Edward Cole II

Date Filed

Mon, 06/01/2026 - 12:00

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This action involves the trial court’s denial of a petition for termination of a biological
father’s parental rights to his minor child. We now affirm.

In Re Troy R., et al.

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:46:44 +0000

In Re Troy R., et al.

Case Number

W2024-01738-COA-R3-JV

Authoring Judge

Judge Carma Dennis McGee

Originating Judge

Special Judge W. Ray Glasgow

Date Filed

Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal involves a long-running custody dispute between unmarried parents. In this
latest chapter of the litigation, the father filed a petition to modify, seeking to be named
primary residential parent and/or increase his parenting time. The mother filed a counterpetition,
seeking only a change in decision-making authority. The trial court denied the
father’s petition but did make several changes to the parenting schedule. The trial court
also granted the mother’s request to be named sole decision-maker for educational and
extracurricular decisions and allowed her to obtain passports for the children. Finally, the
trial court ordered the father to pay the mother’s attorney fees. The father appeals. We
vacate in part, affirm as modified, and remand for further proceedings.

Julie C. Bartholomew v. Douglas K. Southard, et al.

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:39:56 +0000

Julie C. Bartholomew v. Douglas K. Southard, et al.

Case Number

W2024-01494-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Chancellor JoeDae L. Jenkins

Date Filed

Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00

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The trial court determined Defendants/Appellants were liable for damages arising from
negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract. We reverse.

Andrew Bettis Aviation, LLC v. Howard Wayne Lanier

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:36:08 +0000

Andrew Bettis Aviation, LLC v. Howard Wayne Lanier

Case Number

W2025-01094-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Maroney

Originating Judge

Chancellor James R. Newsom

Date Filed

Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal presents two issues: (1) whether Appellant preserved his evidentiary issues
concerning the trial court’s admission of video evidence in a jury trial, and (2) whether,
following a bench trial, the trial court made sufficient findings under Rule 52.01 when
rejecting Appellant’s COBRA claim. Because Appellant failed to include the evidentiary
issues in a motion for new trial as required by Tennessee Rule of Appellate Procedure 3(e),
and because Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure 13(b) and 36(b) are not applicable,
we conclude that Appellant waived the evidentiary issues. Further, because the trial court’s
order does not make sufficient findings, we cannot conduct a meaningful review of the
COBRA issue, and we remand for compliance with Rule 52.01.

BENJAMIN MCCURRY v. AGNESS MCCURRY

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:32:14 +0000

BENJAMIN MCCURRY v. AGNESS MCCURRY

Case Number

E2024-00042-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Kristi M. Davis

Originating Judge

Senior Judge D. Kelly Thomas

Date Filed

Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00

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The trial court found the appellant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of three charges of criminal contempt. The appellant appeals those criminal contempt findings. Discerning no error, we affirm.