Berry Suspect Arrested, Charged
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Updated: 10:48 AM Jul 28, 2008
Berry Suspect Arrested, Charged
Nearly three years after the murder of 21 year-old Johnia Berry, the Knox County Sheriff's office has made an arrest in the case.
Posted: 4:02 PM Sep 24, 2007
Reporter: Jim Freeman
Email Address: jim.freeman@wvlt-tv.com
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Knoxville (WVLT) - Nearly three years after the murder of 21 year-old Johnia Berry, the Knox County Sheriff's office has made an arrest in the case.

Sheriff Jimmy "J.J." Jones announced the arrest of 22 year-old Taylor Lee Olson on Knoxville. He's charged with seven counts, 3 counts of felony murder, first degree murder, attempted first degree murder, and two counts of aggravated robbery.

"It's a great day in Knox County. After countless hours and investigation, we are pleased to announce that 22 year-old Taylor Olson of Knoxville has been charged and indicted with the murder of Johnia Berry," said Sheriff Jones. "His bond was set at one million dollars."

It's all in connection with the December 2004 attack of Johnia Berry and her roommate, Jason Aymami, at their Brendan Park Apartment in West Knoxville. Berry died of her stab wounds. Aymami survived and ran to a nearby convenience store for help. He also worked with police to get a composite sketch of the suspect, which is pictured below.

Sheriff Jones says some tips led them to believe Olson was a person of interest in the case. During an arrest for a probation violation and failure to appear charge in July, they say he voluntarily submitted a DNA sample. Police arrested him on Friday, September 21 in the parking lot of the West Town Mall. Sheriff Jones says there's no evidence at this time to suggest Olson knew Johnia or anyone who lived in her apartment.

Olson has a criminal history in both Knox and Sevier Counties. Charges include theft, harassment, and reckless driving. Most recently, prosecutors charged him just last month with theft and aggravated burglary. Olson was due for an arraignment for the burglary charges on September 25.

District Attorney General Randy Nichols says a decision on whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty in this case will be made at a later date.


Latest Comments

Posted by: ktown on Oct 15, 2007 at 08:55 AM

your not safe
Posted by: me Location: tn on Oct 7, 2007 at 06:51 PM

Um to the person who said taylor didnt do it...didnt you see him say "im sorry, it was an accident" on the news! (that is a confession) Also, there is DNA proof. You are all acting like this is the first time this guy has been in trouble, it's not. Im sorry if you know him, but please be realistic. I for one feel a lot safer now that he is in custody.
Posted by: me Location: NE on Oct 4, 2007 at 12:10 AM

Taylor didnt do it...he wouldnt do something like that. I am with him through this all the way. He is family and I love him to death. You all need to know all the facts.