WVLT Special Coverage: Christian-Newsom Murders | Knoxville, Tennessee
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Christian-Newsom killer moved from medium to max prison

Defendant George Thomas listens to proceedings on the third day of his torture-murder trial Thursday, December 3, 2009 in Knox County Criminal Court. Thomas is the third defendant to be tried for the January 2007 slayings of Channon Christian, 21, and her boyfriend, Christopher Newsom, 23. Thomas could get the death penalty if convicted. (Photo Courtesy: J. Miles Carey, Knoxville News Sentinel) Last Updated: 6:14 PM 01/26/10 - Convicted killer George Thomas has a new home behind bars in a maximum security prison, but not before an assignment at a less secure facility angered his victims' parents.
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Convict in slaying of couple seeks new trial
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Last Updated: 10:59 AM 01/12/10 - One of three men convicted in the carjacking, torture and killing of a young Knoxville couple claims his trial was flawed. (Full Story)
Jury gives George Thomas life without parole
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Last Updated: 7:27 AM 12/11/09 - The jury in the George Thomas murder trial sentenced him to life without parole Thursday, after finding him guilty of killing Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. (Full Story)
Thomas sentencing hearing over, jury to deliberate Thurs.
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Last Updated: 8:18 AM 12/10/09 - Closing arguments are complete in the George Thomas case, and the judge is charging the jury before he sends them home Wednesday. Jurors will begin deliberating Thomas' fate Thursday morning. (Full Story)
JURY: George Thomas GUILTY of all charges
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Last Updated: 4:23 AM 12/09/09 - The Hamilton County jury that heard George Thomas' double murder trial ruled today that he is guilty on all counts against him, including the first degree felony murder and 1st degree premeditated murder of both Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom. The murder counts are death penalty eligible offenses. (Full Story)
George Thomas double murder trial, day 6
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Last Updated: 4:48 AM 12/08/09 - The jury in George Thomas' double murder trial deliberated for about an hour-and-a-half before going home Monday. Thomas is the third of four defendants to stand trial for the January 2007 carjacking, kidnapping, rape and murder of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23. (Full Story)
George Thomas double murder trial, day 5
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Last Updated: 12:08 AM 12/06/09 - The prosecution has rested its case in George Thomas' double murder. He's the third of four defendants to stand trial for the January 2007 carjacking, kidnapping, rape and murder of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23. (Full Story)
George Thomas double murder trial, day 4
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Last Updated: 1:33 AM 12/05/09 - Prosecutors have nearly finished presenting their case against accused killer George Thomas. He's the third defendant to stand trial for the the carjacking, kidnapping rape and murder of Channon Christian, 21, and Christopher Newsom, 23. (Full Story)
George Thomas double murder trial, day 3
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Last Updated: 8:02 AM 12/04/09 - Jurors were forced to leave the courtroom Thursday, following a heated exchange during testimony in George Thomas' double murder trial. (Full Story)
George Thomas' double murder trial, day 2
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Last Updated: 8:53 AM 12/03/09 - Jurors took a virtual trip Wednesday inside what's been called the "house of horrors" Chipman Street. (Full Story)
Court denies Vanessa Coleman's pre-trial appeal
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Last Updated: 5:50 PM 12/01/09 - Accused killer Vanessa Coleman's back in the trial line-up for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a young Knox County couple, court officials said Tuesday.
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