Appellate Court Opinions

ROSARIO MORA v. ALBERTO MORA

brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 13:59:27 +0000

ROSARIO MORA v. ALBERTO MORA

Case Number

E2026-01000-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Kristi M. Davis

Originating Judge

Chancellor Suzanne Cook

Date Filed

Wed, 07/15/2026 - 12:00

This is an accelerated interlocutory appeal as of right filed pursuant to Tennessee Supreme
Court Rule 10B. The appellant failed to attach a copy of the order denying his recusal
motions to his petition for recusal appeal, and the appeal is hereby dismissed.

State of Tennessee v. Kenneth Ray Smotherman, II

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:01:56 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Kenneth Ray Smotherman, II

Case Number

W2025-00458-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Bruce I. Griffey

Date Filed

Tue, 07/14/2026 - 12:00

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In 2023, a Benton County jury convicted the Defendant, Kenneth Ray Smotherman, II, of
the sale of .5 grams or more of methamphetamine. The trial court sentenced the Defendant
as a career offender to thirty years of confinement, to be served at 60%. On appeal, the
Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his conviction and that the
trial court erred when it did not instruct the jury on facilitation or casual exchange as lesser-included
offenses. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.

State of Tennessee v. Travarius Dewayne Houston

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:14:10 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Travarius Dewayne Houston

Case Number

M2025-00826-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Presiding Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Steve R. Dozier

Date Filed

Tue, 07/14/2026 - 12:00

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After a bench trial, the trial court convicted the Defendant, Trevarius Dewayne Houston, of two counts of assault against a law enforcement officer, one count of retaliation for past action, one count of theft of merchandise, and one count of resisting arrest. The trial court sentenced the Defendant to serve a total effective sentence of two years, suspended to a year of probation. On appeal, the Defendant asserts that: (1) the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions; and (2) the State committed prosecutorial misconduct during closing argument. After review, we reverse the trial court’s judgments in Count 1 and Count 3 and affirm the remaining judgments.

State of Tennessee v. Amory K. Collins

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 13:07:30 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Amory K. Collins

Case Number

E2025-00883-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Date Filed

Tue, 07/14/2026 - 12:00

A Knox County jury convicted the Defendant, Amory K. Collins, of one count of burglary
and one count of criminal trespass. The trial court merged one count of criminal trespass
and the burglary conviction and then sentenced the Defendant to eight years of
incarceration. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to sustain
his conviction for burglary because there was insufficient proof that he acted knowingly
with regard to the underlying theft or attempted theft. After review, we affirm the trial
court’s judgments.

DANIEL JOSEPH WILLIAMS v. TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:46:25 +0000

DANIEL JOSEPH WILLIAMS v. TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

Case Number

E2025-00793-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson

Originating Judge

Chancellor Deborah C. Stevens

Date Filed

Tue, 07/14/2026 - 12:00

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The petitioner filed a petition seeking judicial review of certain interlocutory decisions
made by an administrative law judge during forfeiture proceedings conducted by the
Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security. The petitioner also raised
constitutional issues that had not been raised during the agency proceedings. The trial court
determined that it did not possess subject matter jurisdiction to review the interlocutory
agency decisions or other constitutional issues raised for the first time in the petition for
judicial review. The petitioner has appealed. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Traci Marie House

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:39:02 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Traci Marie House

Case Number

M2025-01227-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge Robert Bateman

Date Filed

Mon, 07/13/2026 - 12:00

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The defendant, Traci Marie House, pled guilty to attempted possession of a firearm after having been convicted of a prior violent felony, and the trial court imposed a sentence of twelve years’ incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the defendant argues the trial court erred in denying her motion to reconsider her sentence. After reviewing the record and considering the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

LaCarl Tigg v. State of Tennessee

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 19:26:47 +0000

LaCarl Tigg v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2025-01894-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge James A. Turner

Date Filed

Mon, 07/13/2026 - 12:00

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The petitioner, LaCarl Tigg, appeals from the Circuit Court of Rutherford County’s dismissal of his petition for post-conviction DNA Analysis and his pro se motion to vacate his guilty plea which the post-conviction court treated as a petition for post-conviction relief. Upon our review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the post-conviction court’s dismissal.

IN RE GRACELYNN H.

brenda.trochmann@tncourts.gov — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 14:32:40 +0000

IN RE GRACELYNN H.

Case Number

E2025-00466-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson

Originating Judge

Chancellor Amy Kathleen Skelton

Date Filed

Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:00

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In this case involving termination of the mother’s parental rights to her minor child, the
trial court determined that two statutory grounds for termination had been proven by clear
and convincing evidence. The trial court further determined that clear and convincing
evidence demonstrated that termination of the mother’s parental rights was in the child’s
best interest. The mother has appealed.1 Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Ronnie Keith Rea

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 14:25:38 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Ronnie Keith Rea

Case Number

W2025-00384-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge J. Brent Bradberry

Date Filed

Fri, 07/10/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Ronnie Keith Rea, appeals from his convictions for three counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of solicitation of a minor. On appeal, he raises five issues. After a thorough review of the record, the parties’ briefs, and the applicable law, we conclude that four of the five issues have been waived. The only preserved issue is Defendant’s challenge to the sufficiency of the evidence, which we find legally sufficient to support his convictions. Accordingly, the judgments of the trial court are affirmed.

Katrina Allen v. Blackbaud, INC.

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:05:52 +0000

Katrina Allen v. Blackbaud, INC.

Case Number

W2025-01484-COA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Judge Donald H. Allen

Date Filed

Thu, 07/09/2026 - 12:00

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Appellant appeals the trial court’s dismissal of her breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty claims. Appellee asks this Court to award frivolous appeal damages under Tennessee Code Annotated section 27-1-122. Discerning no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court. We grant Appellee its request for frivolous appeal damages.

State of Tennessee v. Teresa Kay Nolan

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 19:50:46 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Teresa Kay Nolan

Case Number

M2025-00562-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge David L. Allen

Date Filed

Thu, 07/09/2026 - 12:00

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Following a jury trial, Defendant, Teresa Kay Nolan, was convicted of two counts of aggravated assault and one count of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, for which she received a total effective sentence of four years. On appeal, Defendant contends that: (1) the evidence is insufficient to support her convictions for aggravated assault; (2) the trial court committed plain error by failing to provide a jury instruction on self-defense; (3) the trial court abused its discretion by allowing the State to cross-examine Defendant regarding her prior conviction for attempted impersonation of a licensed professional; and (4) the trial court abused its discretion when it permitted the State to cross-examine her regarding her violation of bond conditions. Upon review, we affirm the conviction in count 2 but remand for entry of a corrected judgment, reflecting Defendant’s conviction for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and imposing a concurrent one-year sentence. We affirm the judgments of conviction in counts 1 and 3 in all respects.

State of Tennessee v. Chelsea Louise Smith

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:33:32 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Chelsea Louise Smith

Case Number

M2025-00955-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Larry J. Wallace

Date Filed

Thu, 07/09/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Chelsea Louise Smith, appeals her Dickson County Circuit Court convictions for aggravated child abuse and first-degree felony murder committed in the perpetration of aggravated child abuse, for which she received sentences of fifteen years and life, respectively. Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support her convictions; that the trial court abused its discretion by excluding the proposed testimony of her expert in biomechanics; and that her constitutional right to present a defense was violated by the trial court’s exclusion of the proposed expert testimony. Following a thorough review, we affirm.

RODNEY HARBACK v. EDDIE'S BODY SHOP, LLC, ET AL

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:17:48 +0000

RODNEY HARBACK v. EDDIE'S BODY SHOP, LLC, ET AL

Case Number

E2025-00447-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Kristi M. Davis

Originating Judge

Chancellor Tom McFarland

Date Filed

Wed, 07/08/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal arises from a breach of contract lawsuit following the sale of a body shop
business. Prior to the sale, the owner entered into a paint-purchasing agreement requiring
him to purchase $900,000 worth of paint over time in exchange for discounts and up-front
“pre-bate” payments. Under the paint-purchasing agreement, the paint supplier could
terminate the agreement if the business was sold without the supplier’s prior written
consent. The owner later sold his business to buyers pursuant to an asset purchase
agreement whereby the buyers agreed to take on the business’s paint-purchasing
obligations. The buyers initially kept buying paint from the same supplier but eventually
stopped. The paint supplier demanded repayment of the up-front funds from the prior
owner under his personal guarantee. The prior owner then sued the buyers, asserting that
they were required to hold him harmless. The buyers filed a counterclaim asserting that
the prior owner committed the first breach by selling the business without the paint
supplier’s consent, resulting in the buyers never receiving the expected value of the deal.
The trial court ruled in the prior owner’s favor. The buyers appeal. We affirm.

GREEN ACRES MCH, LLC V. JATEAL PENDERGRASS

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 19:23:12 +0000

GREEN ACRES MCH, LLC V. JATEAL PENDERGRASS

Case Number

E2025-00043-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. McClarty

Originating Judge

Chancellor Ryan M. Spitzer

Date Filed

Wed, 07/08/2026 - 12:00

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This is an unlawful detainer action in which the plaintiff landlord was awarded possession
and a judgment for unpaid rent and attorney fees when the defendant lessee refused to
vacate. We now affirm on appeal.

State of Tennessee v. Nickalous Ladd A/K/A Nickalous Clark

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:07:34 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Nickalous Ladd A/K/A Nickalous Clark

Case Number

W2025-01494-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. Campbell, Sr.

Originating Judge

Judge Chris Craft

Date Filed

Wed, 07/08/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Nickalous Ladd a/k/a Nickalous Clark, was convicted by a Shelby County Criminal Court jury of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, a Class C felony, and was sentenced by the trial court as a Range IV career offender to fifteen years at 60% in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The sole issue the Defendant raises on appeal is whether the evidence is sufficient to sustain his conviction. Based on our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Crista (Haynes) Johnston v. Donald Wayne Haynes et al.

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:09 +0000

Crista (Haynes) Johnston v. Donald Wayne Haynes et al.

Case Number

M2024-01424-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Andy D. Bennett

Originating Judge

Judge Brody N. Kane

Date Filed

Tue, 07/07/2026 - 12:00

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The appellant filed a civil suit against her adoptive parents seeking damages stemming from child sexual abuse against her for which her adoptive father pleaded guilty. After the adopted parents filed a motion for summary judgment, the trial court held a hearing 15 days after service of the motion on the appellant and later granted the motion. On appeal, the appellant raises numerous issues, including whether the trial court correctly created the record on appeal, whether recusal was necessary, and whether summary judgment was appropriate. After review, we conclude that the trial court’s premature consideration of the motion necessitates vacatur and remand the matter for further proceedings. We affirm the court in all other respects.

KNOX COUNTY TENNESSEE ET AL. v. DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS ET AL

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:10:06 +0000

KNOX COUNTY TENNESSEE ET AL. v. DELINQUENT TAXPAYERS ET AL

Case Number

E2026-00812-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Christopher D. Heagerty Jr.

Date Filed

Tue, 07/07/2026 - 12:00

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This is a recusal appeal filed by the pro se petitioner relative to the underlying delinquent
taxpayer action. Because the petitioner has not demonstrated a factual basis warranting
recusal, we affirm the judgment of the trial court denying the motion to recuse.

State of Tennessee v. Leigh Ann Champion Thweatt

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:04:47 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Leigh Ann Champion Thweatt

Case Number

M2025-01432-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Michael E. Spitzer

Date Filed

Tue, 07/07/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Leigh Ann Champion Thweatt, appeals the Lewis County Circuit Court’s revocation of her probation, arguing that the trial court erred in revoking her probation in full rather than allowing her to address her substance abuse issues on probation, contending that full revocation did not serve the ends of justice for the public or the Defendant. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Jacob Lee Carney v. State of Tennessee

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 20:03:28 +0000

Jacob Lee Carney v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2025-01775-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Matthew J. Wilson

Originating Judge

Judge William R. Goodman, III

Date Filed

Tue, 07/07/2026 - 12:00

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Petitioner, Jacob Lee Carney, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief, arising from his guilty-pleaded convictions for first degree premeditated murder and attempted first degree premeditated murder, for which he received a life sentence. On appeal, Petitioner argues that the post-conviction court erred in finding that he received the effective assistance of trial counsel and that his guilty plea was voluntarily and knowingly entered. After review, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Johnny Mack Powell

Francesca.Kraft@tncourts.gov — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 14:16:59 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Johnny Mack Powell

Case Number

E2025-01126-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Scott Green

Date Filed

Tue, 07/07/2026 - 12:00

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A Knox County jury convicted the Defendant, Johnny Mack Powell, of one count of
attempted voluntary manslaughter, three counts of aggravated assault, one count of
possession of marijuana, one count of possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of
trespassing. The trial court merged the aggravated assault convictions and sentenced the
Defendant, a Range II offender, to ten years of incarceration. On appeal, the Defendant
contends that the evidence is insufficient to sustain his convictions for attempted voluntary
manslaughter and aggravated assault because he was not the first aggressor and because he
acted in self-defense. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.

State of Tennessee v. Sean Kirk Wagner

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:55:45 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Sean Kirk Wagner

Case Number

E2025-00637-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer

Originating Judge

Judge Hector Sanchez

Date Filed

Mon, 07/06/2026 - 12:00

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An Anderson County jury convicted the Defendant, Sean Kirk Wagner, of sexual battery
by an authority figure, a Class C felony, and the trial court sentenced him to four years,
364 days of which were to be served at 100% in the county jail and the balance to be
suspended and served on supervised probation. On appeal, the Defendant contends that:
(1) when the trial court instructed the jury on sexual battery by an authority figure as a
lesser-included offense to Count 1, rape, it constructively amended the indictment; (2) the
evidence is insufficient to sustain his conviction; (3) the State improperly failed to elect
specific facts to support his conviction; (4) the trial court erred when it allowed the State
to elicit testimony that the Defendant had referred to the victim and her friends as “sluts”;
and (5) the trial court erred when it did not allow the results of his polygraph test to be
admitted into evidence. After review, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.

Shannon Leigh Smith v. State of Tennessee

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:59:00 +0000

Shannon Leigh Smith v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

E2025-00858-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge Ryan M. Spitzer

Date Filed

Mon, 07/06/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

Petitioner, Shannon Leigh Smith, appeals the denial of her post-conviction petition arguing that the post-conviction court erred in denying her claim that trial counsel was ineffective in 1) failing to uncover evidence of a detective’s sexual relationship with a State’s witness and the same detective’s termination from the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission for misconduct; 2) failing to file a motion to suppress searches of Petitioner’s cell phone and Facebook account; 3) inadequately cross-examining the victim’s sister-in-law; 4) failing to put forth evidence to support self-defense; 5) failing to call defense witnesses including an expert on battered woman syndrome; 6) and withdrawing motions to disqualify the clerk’s office and the district attorney general’s office. She further argues that she is entitled to relief based on the cumulative effect of trial counsel’s alleged errors. Following our review of the entire record, the briefs and oral arguments of the parties, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Jacob Franks v. State of Tennessee

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:29:18 +0000

Jacob Franks v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

W2025-00616-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Donald H. Allen

Date Filed

Mon, 07/06/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

The Defendant, Jacob Franks, was convicted by a Madison County Circuit Court jury of sexual exploitation of a minor involving fifty or more images, a Class C felony, and fifteen counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class D felony. See T.C.A. § 39-17-1003(a), (d)(2025). The trial court imposed an effective six-year sentence, to be served at 100%. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the trial court erred by excluding evidence of the Defendant’s roommate’s notarized written statement after the roommate invoked his Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination at the trial. We conclude that the trial court erred in excluding the evidence. We affirm the judgments in Counts 5, 6,7, 8, 9,10, 11, 13, 14, and 15. We reverse the judgments in Counts 1, 2, 3, 4, 12, and 16 and remand for a new trial on these counts.

State of Tennessee v. Gabriel Seth Box

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 18:57:08 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Gabriel Seth Box

Case Number

W2025-00274-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge Donald H. Allen

Date Filed

Mon, 07/06/2026 - 12:00

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A Henderson County jury convicted the Defendant, Gabriel Seth Box, of first degree premeditated murder, theft of a firearm, and two counts of tampering with evidence. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of life plus six years. On appeal, the Defendant raises two issues: (1) whether the trial court erred in denying his motion to continue the trial date so that he could present an expert witness; and (2) whether the trial court erred in imposing consecutive sentencing. Upon our review, we conclude that the Defendant’s motion to continue should have been granted, though the error was harmless in light of the expected testimony of the defense expert. We also conclude that the case should be remanded for reconsideration of consecutive sentencing under the factors outlined in State v. Wilkerson, 905 S.W.2d 933 (Tenn. 1995). Accordingly, we respectfully affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand the case for reconsideration of the issues related to consecutive sentencing.

Frank Delmar Raines, Jr. v. State of Tennessee

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:46:30 +0000

Frank Delmar Raines, Jr. v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

E2025-01374-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge David R. Duggan

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

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Frank Delmar Raines, Jr., the Petitioner, appeals from the Blount County Circuit Court’s
denial of his petition for post-conviction relief from his convictions for attempted rape and
attempted aggravated kidnapping, for which he is serving an effective thirty-year sentence.
On appeal, the Petitioner claims that the post-conviction court erred in denying relief on
his ineffective assistance of counsel claims related to trial counsel’s investigation of a
State’s witness and counsel’s decision not to call character witnesses at the sentencing
hearing. We affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Jason Patrick McCarroll v. Melissa Susan McCarroll

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:06:16 +0000

Jason Patrick McCarroll v. Melissa Susan McCarroll

Case Number

M2024-01804-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Chief Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Tiffany Gentry Gipson

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal concerns the trial court’s division of marital debt and award of alimony in a divorce action. After the trial, the court assigned most of the marital assets and debts to the husband and awarded the wife alimony in futuro based on an affidavit that included her “anticipated” expenses. The court also awarded the wife alimony in solido to pay for her attorney’s fees. The husband then filed a motion to alter or amend. While the motion was pending, the net proceeds from the sale of marital real estate were distributed to the parties. In its order on the husband’s motion, the trial court reallocated responsibility for the balance on a credit card account in the husband’s name, and it ordered the balance be paid out of the net proceeds from the real estate sale. On appeal, the husband argues that the trial court erred by relying on the wife’s “speculative future needs” rather than her actual expenses at the time of trial when awarding alimony. The husband also argues that the court should have awarded rehabilitative alimony rather than alimony in futuro because the wife has several vocational certificates that she could use to obtain a better paying job. And both the husband and the wife contend that the division of marital debt was inequitable. We conclude that the parties have waived their objections to the division of marital debt and the award of alimony in solido by failing to comply with the briefing requirements of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure. As for the award of alimony in futuro, we find no error in the trial court’s reliance on evidence of the wife’s “anticipated expenses,” and we find no support in the record for the husband’s assertion that the wife could obtain a better paying job with her vocational certificates. Nonetheless, we find it necessary to modify the portion of the trial court’s order requiring the parties to pay off the credit card with funds from the real estate proceeds because they were previously disbursed.

Jana Lynn Beck v. Mickey Lewis Beck

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 15:52:09 +0000

Jana Lynn Beck v. Mickey Lewis Beck

Case Number

M2026-00926-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Chief Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Clara W. Byrd

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 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. William Lavell Nelson

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 21:12:31 +0000

State of Tennessee v. William Lavell Nelson

Case Number

E2025-01642-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Boyd M. Patterson

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

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Pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, the Defendant, William Lavell Nelson, pled guilty
to one count of aggravated assault and received an agreed-upon sentence of ten years’
incarceration as a Range II, multiple offender. The Defendant thereafter filed a motion to
correct an illegal sentence pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 36.1, which
the trial court summarily dismissed. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the trial court
erred by summarily dismissing his motion and by considering it as a request for relief
pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 35. Discerning no reversible error, we
affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Keith Andrew Baggett

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:28:50 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Keith Andrew Baggett

Case Number

W2025-01176-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Joseph T. Howell

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Keith Andrew Baggett, appeals from the Madison County Circuit Court’s
probation revocation of his six-year sentence. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the
trial court abused its discretion by revoking his probation and ordering him to serve his
sentence in confinement. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

William Rolandus Keel v. Robert Adams, Warden

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 15:31:29 +0000

William Rolandus Keel v. Robert Adams, Warden

Case Number

W2025-00356-CCA-R3-HC

Authoring Judge

Judge Camille R. McMullen

Originating Judge

Judge A. Blake Neill

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

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The Petitioner, William Rolandus Keel, pro se, was convicted of two counts of rape of a
child. In this consolidated appeal, he challenges the orders of the Hardeman County Circuit
Court summarily dismissing his petitions seeking habeas corpus relief. Upon review, we
affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Kyle Golden

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:14:08 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Kyle Golden

Case Number

W2025-00959-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Jennifer Fitzgerald

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

Download PDF Version

The Defendant, Kyle Golden, entered a guiltyplea to one count of aggravated assaultand three counts of child abuse. The Shelby County Criminal Court accepted the Defendant’s guilty plea and, following a sentencing hearing, denied the Defendant’s request for judicial diversion and imposed an effective sentence of five years’ supervised probation. The Defendant appeals, arguing that the trial court erred by denying his request for judicial diversion. Discerning no error, we affirm.

Terrance B. Smith v. State of Tennessee

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 19:19:47 +0000

Terrance B. Smith v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

W2025-00898-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Jill Bartee Ayers

Originating Judge

Judge A. Blake Neill

Date Filed

Thu, 07/02/2026 - 12:00

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Petitioner, Terrance B. Smith, appeals from the post-conviction court’s denial of a motion to reopen his post-conviction proceeding. Because the notice of appeal in this case fails to satisfy the requirements for an application for permission to appeal pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-30-117(c), we lack jurisdiction to consider the appeal. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed.

IN RE MERCURY H.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 16:00:45 +0000

IN RE MERCURY H.

Case Number

E2025-01810-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffery Usman

Originating Judge

Chancellor Kenneth N. Bailey Jr.

Date Filed

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:00

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Mother appeals the termination of her parental rights. The trial court found multiple grounds for termination and that termination of Mother’s parental rights was in the child’s best interest. In concluding that termination of Mother’s parental rights is in the child’s best interest, the trial court made specific findings for twelve of the twenty statutory best interest factors but declined to consider eight of the factors based upon a purported pleading deficiency. Mother appeals. We affirm in part, vacate in part, and remand.

State of Tennessee v. Thomas Lymn

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 17:50:37 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Thomas Lymn

Case Number

M2025-00787-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Matthew J. Wilson

Originating Judge

Judge Forest A. Durard, Jr.

Date Filed

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Thomas Lymn, appeals his Moore County Circuit Court jury conviction of theft of property valued at $2,500 or more but less than $10,000, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction. Upon our review, we conclude that the evidence was sufficient and, therefore, affirm the judgment of the trial court.

IN RE BEAUM.,ET AL.

Barbara.Doud@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:01:54 +0000

IN RE BEAUM.,ET AL.

Case Number

E2025-01061-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge John W. McClarty

Originating Judge

Chancellor Melissa Thomas Willis

Date Filed

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:00

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This action involves the termination of a father’s parental rights to his minor children. Following a bench trial, the court found that clear and convincing evidence established abandonment by failure to visit and that termination was in the best interest of the children. We reverse, holding that the record does not support the trial court’s finding of clear and convincing evidence in support of the alleged statutory ground of termination.

Jeffrey Roach v. State of Tennessee

terri.lomax@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:40:29 +0000

Jeffrey Roach v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

E2025-01608-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Timothy L. Easter

Originating Judge

Judge Alex E. Pearson

Date Filed

Wed, 07/01/2026 - 12:00

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Jeffrey Roach, Petitioner, pled guilty to unlawful possession of a weapon by a convicted
felon in January of 2025. In exchange for the plea, he received a three-year sentence to be
served at 100%. In February of 2025, he filed a series of pro se motions which referenced
post-conviction relief and ineffective assistance of counsel. The post-conviction court
treated the motions as a petition for post-conviction relief, appointed counsel, and set a
hearing. Petitioner continued to file motions with the court despite being represented by
counsel. After a hearing, at which Petitioner did not testify, the post-conviction court
denied relief. Petitioner appealed. We affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

State of Tennessee v. Marty Lynn Judd

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:57:34 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Marty Lynn Judd

Case Number

M2025-01544-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Steven W. Sword

Originating Judge

Judge Larry B. Stanley, Jr.

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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The Defendant, Marty Lynn Judd, appeals from his Warren County Circuit Court convictions of second degree murder and possession of a prohibited weapon, for which he received an effective sentence of twenty-six years’ incarceration. On appeal, the Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the convicting evidence. He also asserts that the trial court erred by overruling his objections to hearsay and to leading questioning during the State’s direct examination of a witness. Discerning no error, we affirm.

Christopher W. Gadsden v. State of Tennessee

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:01:33 +0000

Christopher W. Gadsden v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2025-01313-CCA-R3-PC

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Steve R. Dozier

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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Christopher W. Gadsden, Petitioner, sought post-conviction relief from his convictions for second-degree murder and theft, claiming that he received ineffective assistance of counsel because an attorney with the Office of the Public Defender of Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County (herein “Public Defender’s Office”)previously represented the victim, thereby creating a conflict of interest that rendered trial counsel’s representation ineffective. Following a hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief. We affirm.

In Re Kadence B.

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:05:33 +0000

In Re Kadence B.

Case Number

M2025-00762-COA-R3-PT

Authoring Judge

Judge Valerie L. Smith

Originating Judge

Judge Suzanne Lockert-Mash

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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This is a termination of parental rights appeal. The trial court found that four statutory grounds existed to terminate Mother’s parental rights to the minor child: abandonment, persistence of conditions, failure to manifest an ability and willingness to assume custody, and severe child abuse. The trial court further concluded that termination was in the child’s best interests. Discerning no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Sheppard Washington v. Christopher Brun, Warden

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:11:02 +0000

Sheppard Washington v. Christopher Brun, Warden

Case Number

M2025-00633-CCA-R3-HC

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Michael E. Spitzer

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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Petitioner, Sheppard Washington, appeals from the Hickman County Circuit Court’s dismissal of his petition for a writ of habeas corpus. The habeas corpus court found that Petitioner’s request for relief, which was based upon a claim that his sentence had expired, was premature. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

JRS Development, LLC v. Alaa Jwaad et al.

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:25:00 +0000

JRS Development, LLC v. Alaa Jwaad et al.

Case Number

M2025-00231-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Jeffrey Usman

Originating Judge

Chancellor Anne C. Martin

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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This appeal involves a breach of contract action for specific performance of a commercial real estate purchase and sale agreement. The plaintiff buyer brought suit after the defendant sellers refused to convey the property due to a dispute over a mandatory tax withholding. Following a bench trial, the trial court awarded the buyer specific performance and attorney’s fees. The trial court found that the sellers were bound by the agreement because, even though their real estate agent had appended their electronic signatures without contemporaneous authorization, they later ratified the transaction. The trial court further concluded that the sellers’ total refusal to close constituted an anticipatory repudiation, thereby excusing the buyer’s lack of formal tender of the purchase price. The sellers appealed. We affirm.

John Charles McDowell II v. Jennifer Leigh McDowell

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:28:28 +0000

John Charles McDowell II v. Jennifer Leigh McDowell

Case Number

M2024-01774-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge W. Neal McBrayer

Originating Judge

Judge Larry B. Stanley, Jr.

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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A mother petitioned to extend child support for her severely disabled child into adulthood. The court granted the petition. In doing so, the court used the child support guidelines to calculate the amount of support. The father appealed, arguing that the trial court should have included the child’s social security income in the calculations, but he did not file a transcript or a statement of the evidence. Because the lack of a transcript or statement of evidence prevents us from reaching the substance of the issue raised by the father, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Gerald Kiner v. Shelby County Government

Angie.Dempsey@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:29:50 +0000

Gerald Kiner v. Shelby County Government

Case Number

W2025-00695-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor James R. Newsom, III

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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In this case involving Tennessee’s Public Records Act, the plaintiff requested copies of
proposals submitted in response to a request for proposals announced by the defendant
county. After the county denied the plaintiff’s request pursuant to an exception set forth
in Tennessee Code Annotated § 10-7-504(a)(28), the plaintiff filed a complaint with the
trial court. Upon the county’s motion, the trial court dismissed the complaint with
prejudice. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm.

State of Tennessee v. Jonathan Andrew Berretta

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 15:31:30 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Jonathan Andrew Berretta

Case Number

M2024-01538-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Tom Greenholtz

Originating Judge

Judge William A. Lockhart

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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A Coffee County jury convicted the Defendant, Jonathan Andrew Berretta, of one count of vehicular homicide by intoxication and one count of vehicular homicide per se. The trial court merged those convictions and sentenced the Defendant to twelve years’ imprisonment. On appeal, the Defendant raises thirteen issues in three broad categories: challenges to the denial of his motion to suppress the seizure of his blood, trial issues, and a sentencing issue. Challenging the denial of his motion to suppress, he contends that the trial court erred by finding that(1) the affidavit supporting the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (“VUMC”) search warrant for his blood contained no false or reckless statements; (2)probable cause supported the search warrant and judicial subpoena; (3) the search warrant was not overbroad; (4) the search warrant and judicial subpoena established a sufficient nexus between VUMC and the evidence sought; (5) the VUMC blood draws were not the result of state action; and (6) an earlier warrantless EMS blood draw was supported by probable cause and exigent circumstances. Regarding his trial, the Defendant argues that the trial court erred by (7) admitting a life-in-being photograph of the victim; (8) finding that the VUMC specimen release form satisfied the business records exception to the rule against hearsay; (9) finding that chain of custody was established for the VUMC blood samples; (10) admitting the VUMC blood draw evidence in violation of the Confrontation Clause; (11) instructing the jury on vehicular homicide per se in a manner that created an unconstitutional presumption of guilt; and (12) allowing the cumulative effect of those errors to deprive him of a fair trial. Finally, the Defendant maintains that the trial court erred in (13) ordering his sentence to run consecutively to a sentence he had pending in Davidson County at the time of these offenses. Upon our review, we respectfully affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Russ Harden v. Pricilla Hill Harden

britney.roberson@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 20:21:15 +0000

Russ Harden v. Pricilla Hill Harden

Case Number

W2026-00913-COA-T10B-CV

Authoring Judge

Judge William E. Phillips, II

Originating Judge

Chancellor Vicki Hodge Hoover

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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Appellant filed a petition for accelerated interlocutory appeal seeking recusal of the trial judge under Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 10B. Because it appears that a written motion to recuse was only lodged with the trial court and because the trial court never entered an order on the written motion, we dismiss the appeal.

State of Tennessee v. John Ernest Rediker

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:54:35 +0000

State of Tennessee v. John Ernest Rediker

Case Number

M2026-00874-CCA-R9-CD

Dispositive Order

Authoring Judge

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

Date Filed

Tue, 06/30/2026 - 12:00

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This matter is before the Court upon application of the Defendant, John Ernest Rediker, for permission to pursue an interlocutory appeal. Tenn. R. App. P. 9. The State has filed a response in opposition. The Defendant seeks review of the trial court’s order denying his request for special jury instructions in this case. Upon full consideration, the application is denied for the reasons stated below.

State of Tennessee v. Gregory Keontae Lyons

karla.drumm@tncourts.gov — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:36:21 +0000

State of Tennessee v. Gregory Keontae Lyons

Case Number

M2025-00230-CCA-R3-CD

Authoring Judge

Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge James A. Turner

Date Filed

Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:00

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Defendant, Gregory Keontae Lyons, appeals from his convictions for first-degree premeditated murder; employing a firearm during the attempt to commit a dangerous felony; attempted sale of a Schedule I controlled substance; and conspiracy to sell a Schedule I controlled substance, for which he is serving an effective sentence of life plus twelve years. On appeal, Defendant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions; that the trial court erred by granting the State’s motion in limine to exclude references to his age; and that the trial court failed to properly consider Defendant’s age as a mitigating factor in sentencing. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm.

In Re Estate of Shawn Edward Sheeks

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:58:16 +0000

In Re Estate of Shawn Edward Sheeks

Case Number

M2025-01358-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Chief Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.

Originating Judge

Chancellor Ben Dean

Date Filed

Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:00

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Shawn Sheeks (“Decedent”) and Paul Slate (“Mr. Slate”) co-owned and managed several business entities. Following Decedent’s untimely death, Mr. Slate, acting on behalf of the businesses they co-owned, filed a Verified Claim against Decedent’s estate in the Chancery Court (Probate Division) for Montgomery County seeking an accounting and damages of $382,207.48. Shortly thereafter, Janet Sheeks (“Ms. Sheeks”), Decedent’s widow and the Administratrix of the Decedent’s estate, filed a complaint in the Chancery Court for Davidson County (hereinafter “the Business Court”) on behalf of herself and Decedent’s estate against Mr. Slate seeking an accounting and to windup and dissolve the business entities. Mr. Slate filed a counterclaim against the estate and Ms. Slate, as well as cross-claims against the business entities, seeking an accounting and payment for debts allegedly owed to him. While the Claim in the Probate Court was held in abeyance, all claims by and among the parties in the Business Court were tried. In a detailed and thorough final order, the Business Court ordered dissolution of the business entities and allocated the distribution of the assets among the parties after applying offsets and credits. No one appealed the judgment from the Business Court. Thereafter, the Administratrix of the Estate filed a motion for summary judgment in this Probate Court proceeding contending the Claim should be dismissed on the ground of res judicata. The Probate Court granted the motion and summarily dismissed the Claim on the ground of res judicata finding that the Claim was not a separate and distinct cause of action from the Business Court action, that the underlying facts at issue were the same in both lawsuits, and that the Claim could have, and should have, been litigated in the Business Court action. We affirm.

David C. Sands v. State of Tennessee

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:54:53 +0000

David C. Sands v. State of Tennessee

Case Number

M2025-01365-CCA-R3-ECN

Authoring Judge

Judge J. Ross Dyer

Originating Judge

Judge James A. Turner

Date Filed

Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:00

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The petitioner, David C. Sands, appeals the summary dismissal of his petition for writ of error coram nobis by the Rutherford County Circuit Court, alleging newly discovered evidence exists that demonstrates his innocence. After a thorough review of the record and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

In Re Estate of Beverly Louise Ingram

ashley.boggess@tncourts.gov — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 20:52:26 +0000

In Re Estate of Beverly Louise Ingram

Case Number

M2025-01567-COA-R3-CV

Authoring Judge

Chief Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.

Originating Judge

Judge Thomas W. Brothers

Date Filed

Mon, 06/29/2026 - 12:00

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In this appeal, the appellants challenge administrative and legal fees the trial court awarded the administrators of the estate and the parties’ respective legal counsel. We have determined that these issues have been waived for a variety of reasons including the appellants’ failure to comply with Tennessee Court of Appeals Rule 6 and Tennessee Rule of Appellate Procedure 27. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the trial court. We find that the administrator of the estate is entitled to reasonable compensation for services rendered and expenses incurred in defending this appeal. We also find this appeal to be frivolous. We remand for the trial court to award the administrator an appropriate fee and to award damages in favor of the estate against the appellants, Robert Davidson, Sr. and Shuntae Davidson, for fees and expenses the estate incurred in defending this appeal.