Appellate Court Opinions

State of Tennessee v. Antonio Demetrius Adkisson a/k/a Antonio Demetrius Turner Jr.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:55:39 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Antonio Demetrius Adkisson a/k/a Antonio Demetrius Turner Jr.

Case Number

W2022-01009-SC-R11-CD

Authoring Judge

Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins

Originating Judge

Judge Clayburn Peeples

Date Filed

Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00

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Seventeen-year-old Antonio Demetrius Adkisson (a.k.a. Antonio Demetrius Turner, Jr.) (“the Defendant”) was charged with two counts of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of two victims. The Gibson County Juvenile Court (“the juvenile court”) held a transfer hearing and found it appropriate to transfer the Defendant to the Gibson County Circuit Court (“the trial court”) to be prosecuted as an adult. After a jury trial, during which the Defendant’s videotaped statements were admitted into evidence, the Defendant was convicted of two counts of the lesser-included offense of second-degree murder. On direct appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed. See State v. Adkisson, No. W2022-01009-CCA-R3-CD, 2024 WL 1252173 (Tenn. Crim. App. Mar. 25, 2024), perm. app. granted, (Tenn. Aug. 14, 2024). The Defendant requested permission to appeal to this Court, alleging (1) the juvenile court lacked probable cause to believe he committed the charged offenses, as required for transfer by Tennessee Code Annotated section 37-1-134(a)(4)(A), and (2) the trial court erred in admitting his confession at trial because he did not validly waive his right to remain silent and his confession was involuntary. We hold that the Defendant was properly transferred to the trial court. We further hold that the Defendant validly waived his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, but his confession was unlawfully coerced in violation of the Due Process Clause and thus inadmissible at trial. Having found reversible error on that basis, we vacate the Defendant’s convictions of second-degree murder and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

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

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.

State of Tennessee v. Antonio Demetrius Adkisson a/k/a Antonio Demetrius Tuner Jr. (Concurring in Part/Dissenting in Part)

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:01:00 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Antonio Demetrius Adkisson a/k/a Antonio Demetrius Tuner Jr. (Concurring in Part/Dissenting in Part)

Case Number

W2022-01009-SC-R11-CD

Authoring Judge

Justice Sarah K. Campbell

Originating Judge

Judge Clayburn Peeples

Date Filed

Fri, 05/29/2026 - 12:00

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The majority concludes that Antonio Demetrius Adkisson’s confession to law enforcement officers was involuntary and vacates his two convictions for second-degree murder. Whether Adkisson’s confession was voluntary under the Tennessee and United States Constitutions is a close question. But applying the same totality-of-the circumstances test as the majority, I conclude that the confession here was the product of Adkisson’s own free will, not police coercion. I therefore respectfully dissent from the majority’s analysis of that issue and from the Court’s judgment vacating Adkisson’s convictions.

Brittany Wilson (Hamilton) v. Jeffery D. Wilson

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 22:32:42 +0000

Brittany Wilson (Hamilton) v. Jeffery D. Wilson

Case Number

E2026-00081-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Per Curiam

Originating Judge

Judge Gregory S. McMillan

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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Because the order from which the appellant has filed an appeal does not constitute a final appealable judgment, this Court lacks jurisdiction to consider this appeal.

IN RE SYLIS K., ET AL.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:19:04 +0000

IN RE SYLIS K., ET AL.

Case Number

E2025-01109-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Carma Dennis McGee

Originating Judge

Chancellor J. Michael Sharp

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

This appeal involves a grandmother and grandfather’s petition to terminate the parental
rights of a father to two of his children. The petition alleged the following grounds for
termination: (1) abandonment by failure to visit, (2) abandonment by failure to support,
and (3) failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume custody. The trial court
held that each ground was proven by clear and convincing evidence. The trial court also
determined that the termination of parental rights was in the best interests of the children.
The father appeals. We ultimately affirm the termination of the father’s parental rights but
must vacate the trial court’s determination regarding the failure to manifest an ability and
willingness to assume

State of Tennessee v. Nakeavious Milan

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:02:57 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Nakeavious Milan

Case Number

W2025-01345-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge Carolyn W. Blackett

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Nakeavious Milan, entered a guilty plea to one count of voluntary
manslaughter, a Class C felony. See Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-211 (Supp. 2022). Pursuant
to his plea agreement, the Defendant was sentenced as a Range II, multiple offender to
eight years, with the trial court to determine whether the Defendant would be permitted to
serve his sentence on probation. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied the
Defendant’s request for full probation and ordered him to serve his eight-year sentence in
confinement. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the trial court abused its discretion in
denying his request for full probation. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial
court.

BRITTANY WILSON (HAMILTON) v. JEFFERY D. WILSON

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 19:52:19 +0000

BRITTANY WILSON (HAMILTON) v. JEFFERY D. WILSON

Case Number

E2026-00081-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

JOHN W. MCCLARTY, P.J., E.S.; KRISTI M. DAVIS, J.; AND WILLIAM E. PHILLIPS, II, J.

Originating Judge

Chancellor Gregory S. McMillan

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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Because the order from which the appellant has filed an appeal does not constitute a final
appealable judgment, this Court lacks jurisdiction to consider this appeal.

State of Tennessee v. Cortez Gore

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:27:38 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Cortez Gore

Case Number

E2026-00769-CCA-R9-CD

Dispositive Order

Authoring Judge

Judge Sword, Montgomery, Jr. and Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge Rogers

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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The pro se Defendant has filed an application seeking an interlocutory appeal from the trial court’s order granting counsel’s motion to withdraw from representation. Upon preliminary consideration, we determine that the application is procedurally insufficient for this court’s review. Therefore, the State need not file an answer to the application. The Defendant’s application for interlocutory appeal is DENIED

IN RE MICHAEL S.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:21:47 +0000

IN RE MICHAEL S.

Case Number

E2025-01028-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Douglas T. Jenkins

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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In this case involving termination of a mother’s parental rights to her child, the trial court
determined that clear and convincing evidence supported two grounds for termination:
abandonment by failure to visit and abandonment by failure to financially support the
child. The trial court also found that termination was in the child’s best interest. The
mother has appealed. After thorough review, we affirm the trial court’s determination
relative to the ground of abandonment by failure to support. However, the evidence did
not support a finding of abandonment by failure to visit, and we reverse the trial court’s
determination as to that ground. We vacate, for insufficient findings of fact and
conclusions of law, the trial court’s conclusion that termination was in the child’s best
interest and remand this case to the trial court with instructions to conduct a thorough
analysis of the best interest factors found in Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-113(i).

In Re Michael S.

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 22:31:25 +0000

In Re Michael S.

Case Number

E2025-01028-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Douglas T. Jenkins

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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In this case involving termination of a mother’s parental rights to her child, the trial court determined that clear and convincing evidence supported two grounds for termination: abandonment by failure to visit and abandonment by failure to financially support the child. The trial court also found that termination was in the child’s best interest. The mother has appealed. After thorough review, we affirm the trial court’s determination relative to the ground of abandonment by failure to support. However, the evidence did not support a finding of abandonment by failure to visit, and we reverse the trial court’s determination as to that ground. We vacate, for insufficient findings of fact and conclusions of law, the trial court’s conclusion that termination was in the child’s best interest and remand this case to the trial court with instructions to conduct a thorough analysis of the best interest factors found in Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-1-113(i).

In Re The Carl Edwin Osborne, Jr. Living Trust, dated May 19, 2020

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:53:32 +0000

In Re The Carl Edwin Osborne, Jr. Living Trust, dated May 19, 2020

Case Number

W2024-01768-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Carma Dennis McGee

Originating Judge

Judge Kathleen N. Gomes

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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The decedent left a will in which he directed the majority of his property into a trust. The
trust named his wife as the trustee. The trust made several specific distributions to wife
effective upon the decedent’s death, including the grant of life estate interests in certain
assets. Several other beneficiaries were designated to receive distributions from the life
estate assets upon wife’s death. The trust directed its remaining assets into a separate
marital trust which provided that all income generated by its property would be distributed
to wife. It also provided that the trustee would be required to distribute as much of the
principal of the marital trust to wife as she requested in writing and granted her a power of
appointment. Several of the remaining trust beneficiaries filed a petition to construe the
trust in the Shelby County probate court. They sought an order declaring that the remainder
interests of assets in which wife had been granted life estates did not pass into the marital
trust. The probate court held that the remainder interests did not pass into the marital trust
and wife could not alter or destroy them. Wife appeals. We affirm in part and reverse in
part.

In Re Carl Edwin Osborne, Jr. Living Trust -Concur in Part/Dissent in Part

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:50:46 +0000

In Re Carl Edwin Osborne, Jr. Living Trust -Concur in Part/Dissent in Part

Case Number

W2024-01768-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Judge Kathleen N. Gomes

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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The majority opinion offers a thoughtful examination of the issues before this court.
I agree fully with the majority that the failure to make an offer of proof results in the waiver
of Wife’s challenge to exclusion of the testimony of Anthony Bradley, the drafter of the
trust. Nevertheless, because I do not understand the trust to operate in the same manner as
my colleagues, I respectfully dissent.

State of Tennessee v. Kyle Baptiste

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:44:26 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Kyle Baptiste

Case Number

W2025-01096-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge J. Weber McCraw

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Kyle Baptiste, appeals his Hardeman County Circuit Court conviction of
rape, for which he received a sentence of twenty years’ incarceration. On appeal, the
Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence to support the conviction. Discerning
no error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Laquala Malone

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:40:59 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Laquala Malone

Case Number

W2025-00853-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Paula L. Skahan

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Laquala Malone, pled guilty in the Shelby County Criminal Court to one
count of aggravated assault. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied the
Defendant’s application for judicial diversion and imposed a three-year sentence to be
served on supervised probation. The Defendant appeals, arguing that the trial court erred
by denying her request for judicial diversion. Discerning no error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee Roderick Darnell Stafford

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Fri, 29 May 2026 20:27:48 +0000

State of Tennessee Roderick Darnell Stafford

Case Number

M2025-01230-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Timothy L. Easter

Originating Judge

Judge Jennifer Smith

Date Filed

Thu, 05/28/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Roderick Darnell Stafford, was indicted by the Davidson County Grand Jury for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Counts 1 and 2, one count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony drug offense in Count 3, and one count of possessing a firearm after being convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in Count 4. Defendant pleaded guilty as charged in Counts 2 and 3, with the trial court to determine the length, manner, and alignment of service. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced Defendant to four years’ confinement for Count 2 and five years’ confinement for Count 3, ordering the sentences to run consecutively for an effective sentence of nine years’ confinement. The remaining counts were dismissed. On appeal, Defendant argues that the trial court erred by (1) imposing enhanced sentences, (2) ordering consecutive alignment of his sentences, and (3) ordering him to serve his sentences in confinement. After review, we remand the matter to the trial court for entry of judgment forms for Counts 1 and 4. In all other respects, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

State of Tennessee v. Jeremy Brian Poe

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:30:21 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Jeremy Brian Poe

Case Number

W2025-01143-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge Kyle C. Atkins

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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A Madison County jury convicted the defendant, Jeremy Brian Poe, of one count of theft of property greater than $10,000, but less than $60,000. On appeal, the defendant contends the evidence was insufficient to sustain hisconviction, and the trial court erred in sentencing the defendant as a Range III offender. Upon our review of the record, the parties’ briefs, oral argument, and the applicable law, we affirm the defendant’s conviction.However, following ourreview of the defendant’s sentence, we conclude the trial court erred in its application ofTennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-107(b)and in finding the defendant to be a Range III, persistent offender. Accordingly, the defendant’s Range III sentence requires reversal, and we remand this matter for resentencing.

State of Tennessee v. Jerrod James (In Re: AA/AAA Bonding Company)

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 17:10:43 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Jerrod James (In Re: AA/AAA Bonding Company)

Case Number

W2025-00567-CCA-R3-CO

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge Donald H. Allen

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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The appellant, AA/AAA Bonding Company, appeals its suspension from writing bonds in
the Twenty-Sixth Judicial District due to its failure to comply with the applicable statutes.
Based upon the record, the parties’ briefs, and oral argument, we affirm the decision of the
trial court.

IN RE ISAIAH M

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:33:53 +0000

IN RE ISAIAH M

Case Number

E2026-00272-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge W. Neal McBrayer

Originating Judge

Chancellor Suzanne Cook

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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Petitioner seeks accelerated review of the denial of her motion to recuse the trial judge.
The trial court deemed the motion repetitive. We agree.

State of Tennessee v. Jason O. Miller

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:41:24 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Jason O. Miller

Case Number

W2025-00660-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge Kyle C. Atkins

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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A Madison County jury convicted the defendant, Jason O. Miller, of aggravated assault
and domestic assault, for which he received an effective sentence of eight years in
confinement to be served at 100%. On appeal, the defendant challenges the sufficiency of
the evidence supporting his conviction for aggravated assault. The State concedes that the
evidence is insufficient to support the defendant’s conviction. Upon review, we conclude
there was insufficient evidence to sustain the defendant’s conviction for aggravated assault.
However, as there was sufficient evidence to sustain a conviction of assault, we reverse the
judgment for aggravated assault, modify the conviction to assault, and remand for a new
sentencing hearing and entry of an amended judgment.

Robert Anthony Caleb Wise v. Lindsay Marie Snapp Wise

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:44:36 +0000

Robert Anthony Caleb Wise v. Lindsay Marie Snapp Wise

Case Number

W2026-00203-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Chancellor James R. Newsom

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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A Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B petition for recusal appeal was filed in this Court
following the denial of Petitioner’s motion for the disqualification of the trial court judge.
Discerning no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Timothy Williams v. Lee Ann Sikes

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:56:01 +0000

Timothy Williams v. Lee Ann Sikes

Case Number

W2025-00471-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Chancellor Michael Mansfield

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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Appellant appeals the trial court’s judgment in favor of Appellee for work performed pursuant to an oral contract between the parties. Discerning no error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Keith Douglas Garrett

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 20:21:30 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Keith Douglas Garrett

Case Number

M2024-01925-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge Brody N. Kane

Date Filed

Wed, 05/27/2026 - 12:00

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A Macon County jury convicted the Defendant, Keith Douglas Garrett, of one count of unlawful photography and one count of observation without consent. The trial court sentenced the Defendant to serve eleven months and twenty-nine days and to register as a sexual offender. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the prosecution was void due to alleged defects in the arrest process and that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress statements he made to investigators under Garrity v. New Jersey, 385 U.S. 493 (1967).He also challenges the admission of digital evidence extracted from his cell phone and alleges that the State failed to disclose an additional forensic extraction report. In addition, he contends that the State engaged in an improper closing argument. Finally, he challenges the trial court’s sentencing determinations, including the denial of judicial diversion and alternative sentencing and the requirement that he register as a sexual offender. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Adam Thomas v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:34:25 +0000

Adam Thomas v. Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

Case Number

M2025-00288-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Judge Joseph P. Binkley, Jr.

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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A paramedic sued the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County. He asserted that in violation of the Tennessee Public Protection Act he was discharged by the Nashville Fire Department because he refused to participate in or remain silent about the department forcing mentally competent inmates to undergo medical treatment without their consent. The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County moved to dismiss the complaint for failure to state a claim upon which relief could be granted, and the trial court granted the motion. The paramedic appealed. We reverse the trial court’s dismissal.

In Re Heavenlee J.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 27 May 2026 19:38:24 +0000

In Re Heavenlee J.

Case Number

M2025-00543-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford

Originating Judge

Judge Gregory Wayne Traylor

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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Father appeals the termination of his parental rights on grounds of abandonment by an incarcerated parent, persistent conditions, and failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume custody. We affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Christopher Kiger

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 27 May 2026 20:19:01 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Christopher Kiger

Case Number

M2026-00500-CCA-R3-CD

Dispositive Order

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer; Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.; Judge Timothy L. Easter

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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On or about March 18, 2026, the pro se Petitioner, Christopher Kiger, filed what is purported to be a notice of appeal to this Court. Because it is unclear what the Petitioner is attempting to appeal, the Court filed an order on April 9, 2026, directing the Petitioner to show cause why this appeal shall be allowed to proceed. The Petitioner was ordered to identify any recent trial court judgment and/or order he seeks to appeal and to attach a copy of that judgment and/or order to his response.

State of Tennessee v. Merv Conley Rodgers

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:55:51 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Merv Conley Rodgers

Case Number

E2025-00195-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Hector Sanchez

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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A Knox County jury convicted the Defendant, Merv Conley Rodgers, of aggravated assault
by strangulation, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, domestic assault, and especially aggravated kidnapping. The trial court imposed a total effective sentence of forty years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the Defendant argues: (1) that the trial court erred when it concluded he lacked standing to challenge the search of his vehicle; (2) that the trial court erred when it prevented the Defendant from introducing evidence from a prior domestic dispute; (3) that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for aggravated assault and especially aggravated kidnapping; and ( 4) that the trial court erred when it sentenced him. After a thorough review of the record and applicable law, we affirm the trial court's judgments.

State of Tennessee v. Michael J.W. Potter

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:59:17 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Michael J.W. Potter

Case Number

E2025-00468-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge James F. Goodwin, Jr.

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Michael J.W. Potter, appeals the summary dismissal of his ex parte communication that the trial court treated as a petition for post-conviction relief and a Rule 36.1 motion to correct an illegal sentence. Following a review of the entire record, the briefs and arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

State of Tennessee v. Anthony Cooke

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:02:20 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Anthony Cooke

Case Number

E2025-01366-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Timothy L. Easter

Originating Judge

Judge Jeffery Hill Wicks

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Anthony Cooke, appeals from the trial court’s revocation of his probationand order to serve the remainder of his seven-year sentence in confinement. Defendant argues the trial court improperly admitted certified copies of arrest warrants as exhibits to the revocation hearing and that the evidence was insufficient to support the revocation. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

MATTHEW HAWN v. SULLIVAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, ET AL.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:09:21 +0000

MATTHEW HAWN v. SULLIVAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, ET AL.

Case Number

E2025-00027-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Kristi M. Davis

Originating Judge

Chancellor Katherine Leigh Priester

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal concerns a local board of education’s decision to dismiss a tenured teacher.
The teacher sought judicial review of his dismissal in the trial court. The trial court found
no grounds for dismissal and reversed the board’s decision. The board appeals. We
conclude that the teacher was insubordinate in showing his class a video containing
profanity without parental consent. However, this lone act of insubordination did not
warrant the drastic step of dismissal given the teacher’s long record of good service. We
affirm the trial court’s judgment as modified.

MATTHEW HAWN v. SULLIVAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, ET AL.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:17:33 +0000

MATTHEW HAWN v. SULLIVAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, ET AL.

Case Number

E2025-00027-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Katherine Leigh Priester

Date Filed

Tue, 05/26/2026 - 12:00

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I concur with the majority’s conclusion that Mr. Hawn was not shown to have
engaged in unprofessional conduct. I also concur with the majority’s conclusion that Mr.
Hawn was shown to have committed an act of insubordination and that the trial court’s
judgment should be modified to reflect that this statutory ground for a tenured teacher’s
dismissal was proven pursuant to the Teacher Tenure Act. See Tenn. Code Ann. 49-5-
511(a)(2). I respectfully dissent, however, from the majority’s conclusion that the Board’s
dismissal of Mr. Hawn “over one isolated act of insubordination was excessive.” In
support of this conclusion, the majority refers to the trial court’s findings regarding Mr.
Hawn’s service record and other factors in determining that the consequence of dismissal
was excessive.

In Re Jordan A. et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:18:34 +0000

In Re Jordan A. et al.

Case Number

M2025-00960-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Maroney

Originating Judge

Judge Robert Thomas Carter

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal requires us to determine whether the Tennessee trial court’s orders on telephone visitation and fees remain justiciable in light of the Colorado permanent custody order. Appellant/Father appeals the trial court’s grant of Appellee/maternal aunt and uncle’s motion for telephone visits with the minor children. Appellant also appeals the trial court’s denial of his motion for abusive civil action and attorney’s fees and costs. Because the custody of the children was adjudicated by the Colorado court, Appellant’s issues regarding telephone visitation are moot. Furthermore, we conclude that the trial court did not err in denying Appellant’s claims for abusive civil action and attorney’s fees and costs. Affirmed.

State of Tennessee v. Richard Higgs, Jr.

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:40:05 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Richard Higgs, Jr.

Case Number

W2025-00563-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Jennifer Fitzgerald

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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A Shelby County jury convicted the Defendant, Richard Higgs, Jr., of rape of a child,
sexual battery by an authority figure, and incest, and the trial court sentenced him to a total
effective sentence of fifty years. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the evidence is
insufficient to support his convictions. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.

State of Tennessee v. Markell Nolen

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 17:17:02 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Markell Nolen

Case Number

W2023-01487-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge Donald H. Allen

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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A jury convicted the Defendant of one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell; one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver; and one count of driving with a cancelled, suspended, or revoked driver’s license. The trial court merged the drug convictions and subsequently sentenced the Defendant to an effective term of ten years’ incarceration. In this direct appeal, the Defendant claims that he should receive a new trial based on the ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. The Defendant also challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his drug convictions. We affirm the trial court’s denial of the Defendant’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel. We further hold that the evidence is not sufficient to support the Defendant’s drug convictions. Accordingly, we reverse and vacate the Defendant’s drug convictions and dismiss the charges.

Jasmine, LLC v. Jasmine Asian Cuisine, Inc.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:21:26 +0000

Jasmine, LLC v. Jasmine Asian Cuisine, Inc.

Case Number

M2025-01201-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Senior Judge Vanessa A. Jackson

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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A restaurant based in Williamson County sued a restaurant based in Rutherford County in Williamson County Chancery Court over the use of the name Jasmine. The defendant moved to dismiss for lack of venue, and the plaintiff amended the complaint, including allegations that the defendant provided services in Williamson County, advertised in Williamson County, and caused customer confusion and economic harm in Williamson County. The chancery court granted the motion to dismiss, concluding the fact that the plaintiff alleged economic harm in Williamson County was not sufficient to establish venue. We reverse the dismissal and remand for further proceedings.

Angela Clark v. Dr. Roseann Maikis et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:26:25 +0000

Angela Clark v. Dr. Roseann Maikis et al.

Case Number

M2025-01540-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge W. Neal McBrayer

Originating Judge

Judge Amanda McClendon

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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A plaintiff sued a physician and the physician’s practice, alleging the physician performed a biopsy during a medical office visit without the plaintiff’s consent. The trial court dismissed the plaintiff’s claim for failure to comply with the pre-suit notice requirement in the Health Care Liability Act. Because the court also determined that the action was time-barred, it dismissed the complaint with prejudice. We conclude that the plaintiff’s claim relates to the provision of, or failure to provide, health care services. So we affirm the dismissal of the complaint for failure to comply with the Health Care Liability Act. But because we conclude that the complaint does not clearly show that it was filed more than one year after the plaintiff discovered the injury, we modify the dismissal to a dismissal without prejudice.

Dr. Regina Jordan-Sodiq v. State of Tennessee et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:28:54 +0000

Dr. Regina Jordan-Sodiq v. State of Tennessee et al.

Case Number

M2025-02083-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Judge Matthew Joel Wallace

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal stems from a trial court judge’s denial of Petitioner’s motion to recuse. Petitioner filed this interlocutory appeal pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B. Discerning no error, we affirm the trial court’s denial of the motion to recuse.

State of Tennessee v. Michael Anthony Huerta

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 15:50:36 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Michael Anthony Huerta

Case Number

E2025-00063-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Timothy L. Easter

Originating Judge

Judge Tammy M. Harrington

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Michael Anthony Huerta, was indicted for three counts of first degree murder and pleaded guilty to one count of second degree murder. Defendant agreed to be sentenced as a Range IIoffender with the length of the sentence to be determined at a sentencing hearing. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced Defendant to serve thirty-eight years at 100 percent release eligibility. On appeal, Defendant challenges his sentence as excessive and argues that his guilty plea was involuntary and unknowing. Because Defendant’s notice of appeal was untimely filed, we dismiss the appeal.

Kimberly Ann Scott v. State of Tennessee

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:14:35 +0000

Kimberly Ann Scott v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2024-01671-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge Brody N. Kane

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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The Petitioner, Kimberly Ann Scott, pled guilty in separate cases to one count of second degree murder and one count of reckless endangerment. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of nineteen years. Thereafter, the Petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief alleging that her guilty plea was not knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered and that she was denied the effective assistance of counsel during the plea process. Following an evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief, and the Petitioner appealed. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

IN RE SCARLET J.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:24:15 +0000

IN RE SCARLET J.

Case Number

E2025-01566-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Maroney

Originating Judge

Chancellor Steven Lane Wolfenbarger

Date Filed

Fri, 05/22/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal requires us to determine whether clear and convincing evidence supports: (1)
at least one statutory ground for termination of Appellant’s parental rights; and (2) that
termination is in the child’s best interest. Discerning no error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Randall C. Johnson (Concurring in Part/Dissenting in Part)

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:29:59 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Randall C. Johnson (Concurring in Part/Dissenting in Part)

Case Number

State of Tennessee v. Randall C. Johnson (Concurring in Part/Dissenting in Part)

Authoring Judge

Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins

Originating Judge

Judge Angelita Dalton

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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I join in Justice Kirby’s separate opinion. I briefly write separately to emphasize my specific concern with the majority’s unnecessary adoption of the compelling interest standard in this case.

State of Tennessee v. Randall C. Johnson

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:15:38 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Randall C. Johnson

Case Number

M2024-00959-SC-R10-CO

Authoring Judge

Justice Mary L. Wagner

Originating Judge

Judge Angelita Dalton

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal addresses sealing judicial records. Three filings were sealed without a written order. The presiding judge later recused herself and the matter was transferred. Then The Nashville Banner intervened to unseal the records. The trial court denied the motion to unseal. The appellate court denied the Rule 10 appeal and then denied the petition for writ of certiorari. We reverse. Rule 10 interlocutory review is available to media intervenors when judicial proceedings are closed or documents are sealed. Sealing judicial records protected by the First Amendment right of access requires entry of a written order after finding that a compelling interest necessitates sealing. Any such order mustbe narrowly tailored and seal only those judicial records, or the portions thereof, necessary to protect the identified interest. After conducting a de novo review, we do not find a compelling interest necessitating sealing. The documents shall be made available to the public.

State of Tennessee v. Elliot Arnaz Price

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:09:57 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Elliot Arnaz Price

Case Number

E2025-000325-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Timothy L. Easter

Originating Judge

Judge Hector Sanchez

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Elliot Arnaz Price, was indicted by the Knox County Grand Jury for one count of burglary. After trial, a petit jury convicted Defendant as charged. The trial court classified Defendant as a career offender and sentenced him to an effective sentence of twelve years’ incarceration. On appeal, Defendant argues (1) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for burglary;(2) the trial court committed reversible error in violation of Tennessee Rules of Evidence 608 and 609 by admitting evidence of Defendant’s prior charge for burglary and of Defendant’s conduct underlying the burglary charge;(3)the trial court committed reversible error by classifying him as a career offender; (4)the trial court committed plain error in violation of Defendant’s confrontation rights by admitting the arresting officer’s affidavit from a prior theft case; and (5) the trial court committed plain error by improperly instructing the jury that the “without the consent of the property owner” element of burglary applied to Defendant’s “actions” rather than Defendant’s “entry” onto the victim’s property.2 After review, we conclude there are instances of error made by the trial court, but determine such errors were harmless and affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Sarah Chapman v. Chris Wade

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:28:28 +0000

Sarah Chapman v. Chris Wade

Case Number

M2025-00129-COA-R3-JV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Judge Sharon Guffee

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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The trial court entered a parenting plan setting parenting time and child support between Mother and Father. Mother appealed. Mother raises a due process challenge to the trial extending into the late evening of the last day. She also challenges the trial court’s analysis of the best interest factors, its allocation of parenting time, its designation of Father as the primary residential parent, its awarding to Father sole decision-making authority, and its denial of Mother’s motion to alter or amend. Father seeks attorney’s fees on appeal. We affirm the trial court’s ruling and award attorney’s fees.

Jenifer Hutcherson Hall, et al. v. Robertson County, Tennessee

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:33:18 +0000

Jenifer Hutcherson Hall, et al. v. Robertson County, Tennessee

Case Number

M2025-00163-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Carma Dennis McGee

Originating Judge

Judge Kathryn Wall Olita

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal arises from a general claim of negligence stemming from a dog bite. The plaintiffs adopted a dog from an animal shelter owned and operated by the defendant, a governmental entity. The dog bit one of the plaintiffs shortly after adoption. The plaintiffs sued, claiming that the shelter had a duty to warn them of the dog’s dangerous propensities but failed to do so. The defendant filed a motion for summary judgment. The trial court determined that the evidence did not create a genuine issue of material fact regarding the foreseeability of the incident, and therefore, the plaintiffs could not establish the defendant owed them a duty to warn. Accordingly, the trial court granted the motion for summary judgment. The plaintiffs appeal. We affirm.

Jo Kelly Stephenson v. 2300 & 2306 SSR Property Trust et al.

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:46:40 +0000

Jo Kelly Stephenson v. 2300 & 2306 SSR Property Trust et al.

Case Number

M2026-00621-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge J. Steven Stafford

Originating Judge

Chancellor Patricia Head Moskal

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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Plaintiff appeals the denial of her motion to recuse the trial court judge, which raised allegations of bias related to, inter alia, the treatment of her pro se status and her lack of personal notice of court filings, the lack of response to her ex parte communication, the failure to report alleged attorney misconduct, and the entry of certain court orders. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

Tray Simmons v. Dr. Shahidul Islam et al.

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:53:19 +0000

Tray Simmons v. Dr. Shahidul Islam et al.

Case Number

M2025-01261-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Judge Joseph P. Binkley, Jr.

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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The Appellant brought suit against his psychiatrist and the psychiatrist’s clinic, but the trial court granted summary judgment to the defendants. After appellate briefing and oral argument but prior to the filing of the opinion of the Court of Appeals affirming the trial
court, the psychiatrist died. The Appellant became aware of the death after the Tennessee Supreme Court denied his application for permission to appeal. He, subsequently, filed numerous motions for relief in the trial court. The trial court denied relief under Rule 60
and denied the other motions. We affirm.

Darlene Taylor as surviving spouse of Darrell Taylor v. Dale's Recycling, et al.

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:57:17 +0000

Darlene Taylor as surviving spouse of Darrell Taylor v. Dale's Recycling, et al.

Case Number

W2025-01193-SC-WCM-WC

Authoring Judge

Justice Mary L. Wagner

Originating Judge

Judge Allen Phillips

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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This is an appeal from the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, which affirmed the
judgment of the Court of Workers' Compensation Claims awarding death benefits. On
June 22, 2023, Employee, a professional truck driver, was stopped by a deputy sheriff after
the officer observed pieces of metal falling out of Employee's trailer. During this stop,
Employee suffered a heart attack and died on scene. Employee's wife filed a petition for
benefit determination, and the case ultimately proceeded to a hearing where the parties
disputed causation. The Court of Workers' Compensation Claims ("Trial Court") awarded
benefits, finding that Employee's wife had shown to a reasonable degree of medical
certainty that the June 22, 2023 work incident contributed more than fifty percent to
Employee's heart attack and death when considering all causes. The Workers'
Compensation Appeals Board ("Appeals Board") affirmed. Employer has appealed and
the appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel pursuant
to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 51. We affirm.

Retail Direct, LLC v. Payano Express, LLC et al.

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:19:33 +0000

Retail Direct, LLC v. Payano Express, LLC et al.

Case Number

M2024-01896-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Chancellor Anne C. Martin

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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An employee suffered severe injuries while working for a subcontractor and sought workers’ compensation benefits from the logistics company that had retained the subcontractor. In response, the logistics company filed a declaratory judgment action asserting that it was exempt from liability as a “common carrier.” The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the logistics company, concluding that the company’s federal operating authority established its common carrier status as a matter of law. The injured employee appeals, arguing that a genuine dispute of material fact exists regarding the logistics company’s status because it exclusively served a single customer rather than the general public. We reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand for further proceedings.

State of Tennessee v. Shay Tyler Little

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:36:04 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Shay Tyler Little

Case Number

M2025-00620-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Robert Bateman

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Shay Tyler Little, appeals his Montgomery County Circuit Court conviction of aggravated burglary, for which he received a suspended sentence of six years’ supervised probation. On appeal, the Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the convicting evidence. Discerning no error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Ralphelle Antre James

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 28 May 2026 16:07:41 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Ralphelle Antre James

Case Number

E2024-01485-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Date Filed

Thu, 05/21/2026 - 12:00

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A Knox County jury convicted the Defendant, Ralphelle Antre James, of second degree murder, unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, and felony reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon. The trial court sentenced the Defendant to an effective thirty-six years of incarceration. On appeal, the Defendant raises two related issues. First, he asserts that the trial court improperly denied his motion to continue the trial to investigate alate-added witness. He also argues that the trial court erred in allowing thelate-added witness to testify,contending that the testimonyviolated Tennessee Rule of Evidence 404(b)and denied him a fair trial. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgments of the trial court.