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Christian – Newsom murder suspects' attorneys in court Save Email Print
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Knoxville (WVLT) - Attorneys for the four suspects in the brutal rape and murder of a Knoxville couple appeared in court Monday.

Lemaricus Davidson; his brother, Letalvis Cobbins; and George Thomas were indicted on 46 counts, including first-degree murder.

Vanessa Coleman was indicted on 40 counts, also including murder, in connection with the deaths of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom.

Monday, a judge instructed the suspects to next appear in court on July 30th, with a formal hearing now set for October fourth.

Separate trials are set for next year, beginning with Cobbins on May 12th.

Prosecutors have not said yet whether they'll seek the death penalty.
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Posted by: kevin Location: st.louis on Feb 26, 2009 at 09:51 AM
why did these people do this ?
Posted by: j davies Location: pa on Feb 21, 2009 at 03:22 PM
These thugs will just continue to rape and sodomize while in jail. Put them to death and keep them away from other prisoners. They have forfeited their right to be considered human.
Posted by: j davies Location: pa on Feb 21, 2009 at 03:19 PM
Hopefully all the feral beasts that committed this horrible will be put to death in the most painful way possible.
Posted by: keith Location: colorado on Jan 29, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Once again my heart seizures every second these degenerates still breathe air. We are not guilty for the sins of another generation. I am a white middle-class male who is sick of the predjudice inflicted upon me by men I don't even know. Black men. I use the term losely. If I am to be branded a racsist, it is only due to the experiences I have had in my life directly with (young) black men. They use skin color as a weapon to commit these attrocities. It is only a matter of time until blacks complete the "new" segregation of America. We are tired of PC, special programs, and fear. It is coming, a new generation of hope and change. Men will be seen as men, women will be seen as women. Nothing more. In the interim, I will be vigilant in the protection of white rights. God bless those children and may they roam the earth with vengence on their souls. I am so sorry for your loss. God is with them and you.
Posted by: white tail Location: ala. on Dec 9, 2008 at 08:55 PM
when you tortue its not a random thing but a personnel thing.they need to go to prison and have their rear ends checked for a long time
Posted by: gerald Location: louisiana on Dec 9, 2008 at 08:50 PM
the suffering these 2 people went through makes it worse than rape and murder but savargery.hope they have a slow death
Posted by: xev136@aol.com Location: ma. on Oct 14, 2008 at 02:27 AM
bill sorry the sharptons and jacksons types you wont hear a peep from about this because it wont bring in any money for them as far as the lack of media coverage goes their just to p.c. to tell the truth in this matter (in other words cowards)to cover something like this as far as their punishment goes they should be thankfull its the law thats enforceing it and not me and lets just hope theres a very special place in hell for them
Posted by: delaney Location: new orleans on Oct 1, 2008 at 09:45 AM
if they did it they should die!crime is crime no matter who commit's it.but the way this crime was committed,was inhuman and you are not dealing with humans but monsters.
Posted by: Jason Location: Knoxville on Sep 26, 2008 at 08:38 AM
Why is no one calling this a hate crime? That is what it is. As much as I do not like it, the fact remains that if this had happened to a black couple everyone would be screaming "Hate Crime". Lets get real
Posted by: April Location: San Diego on Sep 11, 2008 at 12:32 AM
These people should be punished to the full exstent of the law.with no exceptions just as they gave there victims these murderers are evil and need to be punished
Posted by: steve on Sep 10, 2008 at 12:29 PM
what kind of phone call evidence does the state have on these murders ?
Posted by: from a ex-con Location: knoxville on Aug 2, 2008 at 11:20 PM
i'm against the death penalty,because of thie fact that these guys will have a chance to make appeals,over,over,over again,i think that they need life with no parole,and let them live knowing what they have done,and knowing that they will NEVER GET OUT OF PRISON,let them work for a whopping $.65 a day.for the rest of there lifes,and yes,if these punks wasn't guilty,then they wouldn't be in jail,with even more charges than before,so let them have there away from society
Posted by: debbie Location: tx on Jul 4, 2008 at 11:50 AM
get the liberals off the death penalty, we should hand these people out front to watch. Not by leathal injection. And you dont hear anything about the parents of the murderers are they scared because they raised these monsters
Posted by: Sara Location: Tennessee, Nashville on Jun 8, 2008 at 09:35 AM
Sad to say people still look at the color of a persons skin to judge how a crime should be rated: whether as white on black or visaversa! See the truth is there is either ignorance and evil or there's love and kindness. Those who are kind are usually targeted by those who are evil no matter the race of the person. Think for a minute what if the perps where 1/2 white&black how would you rule the murders?would it still be a race hate crime?I have so much compassion for people and yet I have no control of every persons actions no matter the race or gender, people do what they want to no matter who or what they are man or woman, black, white, indian, chinese, jewish or so on!WE can only control ourselves and our own actions! By adding more fuel to the fire we only add more fuel to more hate and more crime and less peace. I cry tears for the families and I hate people murder people; and hate only beggets more hate and more murder and so on!! its a circle with no open ends filled with hate!!!
Posted by: BM Location: TN on Jun 4, 2008 at 09:00 PM
Let it be said that while this crime of an evil beyond comprehension, these individuals are not found guilty yet. To speak of them as already being guilty and subject to death is just as much an injustice as the crime itself. If they were found guilty then I would 100 percent support the death penalty, even though it would be letting whoever committed the crime off too easy. Needless to say this crime has been burned into my memory and will disgust me anytime I think of the east side of Knoxville.
Posted by: gene Location: wisconsin on May 13, 2008 at 03:49 PM
i just called the milwaukee journal/sentinel about the knoxville murders of the two young people,guess what?the paper here can care less!media bias alive and well!
Posted by: Dallas Location: LA on Apr 11, 2008 at 04:26 PM
If it makes any differance,"Daharma Religion" has wattered down GOD's Word. "If a beast of the field sheds blood his blood shall be shed. without appeal
Posted by: Mike Location: Pittsburgh PA on Feb 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM
I always wondered what a monster looked like; now I know. Look at the pictures of the five perpetrators for five different faces of monstrosity.
Posted by: Josh Coy Location: knoxville on Feb 3, 2008 at 12:42 AM
I graduated with channon. God rest their souls. The death penalty is to good for these people they should be beat and raped everyway posible. Tortured for months and sent to hell in pieces to be burned for eternity
Posted by: Outraged Location: Texas on Jan 31, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Why hasn't this been reported?? Is it because it's too horrific? What is God's Name can cause a group of people to do this to others?? I felt sick to my stomach when I read this story. I agree, Animals would not do this; Only Evil Minded Demonic People. There isn't a punishment suitable for these evil scumbags. If only we could do worse than kill them.
Posted by: Sonja Location: Orlando Fl on Nov 15, 2007 at 12:21 AM
I'm a black female, 18, and am offended every time I hear "Rev." Sharpton speak. Anyway I just heard about this horrific crime yesterday from my father, who is visibly more upset than I've ever seen him. It's unbearable for me to imagine what these kids my age have gone through, and their families, my God. I would not call these criminals animals as some of you have; animals don't do this! These five people represent the absolute worst state of human existance. They are Hitler x 1000, and should have already been terminated. I was against the death penalty until now. There is no place on this Earth for beings like this, not even in prison.
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 13, 2007 at 01:03 PM
Thank God, but they should've been tried for A hate crime. As it is obvious the way this couple was tortured and brutally murdered, that is was HATE induced..
Posted by: tom Location: eov va on Sep 28, 2007 at 05:15 PM
we are not dealing with people here we are dealing with anmials they can't do anything one on one it has to be a gang of them they have no guts to do things on thier own. this is clearly a hate crime. don't send them to jail it would be like a home comming for them send them to hell !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Posted by: Chales Location: NC on Sep 22, 2007 at 09:10 AM
All I have heard on the news for the last week is Jena6 , and the coverage of the protest rally. I have NEVER heard anthing at all on the news about this. This is a prime example of how "controlled" the news media really is. The Jena6 stuff is about injustice, right????? Then where is the justice for the two white people brutally raped , murdered, and the female having her breasts cut off???? The news has gotten soooo biased and prejudiced while all the time broadcasting how the white people are prejudice against the blacks. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson haven't said anything about this one. Guess there is no money to be made from a "hate crime " where the colors are reversed.
Posted by: John Location: Knoxville on Sep 21, 2007 at 01:06 AM
Hang them all from the tallest tree and make it a public event. Set the example now!!!!!!
Posted by: Larry Location: Illinois on Sep 17, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Blacks brutally murdering white people just isn't news worthy. A story like this doesn't meet the agenda of the left wing media. A left wing politically correct world where the white man is always the bad guy.
Posted by: Paul Location: East Coast on Sep 15, 2007 at 12:36 AM
KC is correct in the post below so is the individual who said it clearly, they were murdered by pure evil which has no color. The issue of why it got so little media attention compared to the Duke case or the current one with the tortured black girl is a major concern and could be based on racial colors & political. To me there seams to be a gag order on gang & black on white violence. It's unfortunate KC that it takes horrors like this to uncover other wrongs that need to be addressed and fix.
Posted by: scrappy Location: Texas on Sep 13, 2007 at 05:41 PM
All I can do is pray for justice. Whether that happens here in hell. I also pray that the families can eventually find peace and forgiveness. I know if I was in the families' situation, I would have to have a lot of prayers to convince me to forgive the perps.
Posted by: Mark Location: Knoxville on Sep 13, 2007 at 07:28 AM
It is odd how the prosecuting attorney has not said whether or not he will seek the death penalty. I suppose there would be some type of legal purpose for not doing so. The only thing that bothers me is that we can only execute them once.
Posted by: paul Location: east coast on Sep 12, 2007 at 07:14 PM
The sad thing is, if the colors were reversed it would be on all networks 24/7 and called a hate crime. Jess and Sharpton would be all over the news preaching hatred towards whites, because they profit from racism. That's the business they're in, they don't care about real black people or they're rights. All they want is to keep the rift between the races open and make money off of it.
Posted by: Karen Location: West Virginia on Sep 12, 2007 at 02:01 PM
Hey Jack...I agree with you...how come this wasnt on CNN...They were murdered. Its a hate crime when 6 white ppl kidnap a black women and keep her locked up for a week. They are charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, among other things. But its not a hate crime when 4 black ppl kidnap and kill 2 white ppl. Come on!!! I think I will email CNN and let them know of this story. It is terrible that in this day and age all race are afraid of each other. If anyone wants to know the story here in WV, go to WSAZ TV. She lived through her ordeal. God Bless her and her family, and God bless The families of The Tennessee victims..You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: Jack Location: Ohio on Sep 11, 2007 at 12:39 AM
And what hit CNN news today? Five white idiots who tortured a black woman they held captive for a week. She's not dead, mind you. And the FBI is investigating it as a hate crime. Tell me again... how many "big" news channels have covered the Christian-Newsom murders? Oh yeah. None. Why is that? Don't want to encourage the 'white supremacist lunatic fringe'? It seems like ignoring the story does that quite effectively. How about we put these five in a cage with the five whites from West Virginia and throw away the key?
Posted by: Tom Location: CT on Sep 1, 2007 at 04:27 PM
This is nothing short of a war crime style atrocity. They just refer to it as "murder" with no mention here of the horrific rape, mutilation, and torture. The fact that Greta Van Susteren, Nancy Grace, and others are not shouting about this story is another crime in itself.
Posted by: Jeff Location: Knoxville, TN on Aug 31, 2007 at 09:59 AM
While I am equally disgusted by the violent and especially cruel nature of the crime, unless the prosecutors have evidence (above the race of the victims and the suspects), they cannot tack on a hate crime charge. Have the suspects said or written anything about how they hate and want to kill whites or any people of a different color? If there's no evidence, there's no way to charge them with a hate crime. There's more than enough to get most if not all of the suspects the death penalty, if they are found guilty. Adding a hate crime charge will only muddy the waters and deflect attention away from the real crime, not the one made up to feed the hysterical clammerings of a few fringe idiots.
Posted by: Norma Location: Florida on Aug 25, 2007 at 10:34 AM
I agree with Bobby from Florida-where are big-mouth Al and trouble-maker Jessee? Is it because they don't care the victims were white? I cannot believe this story was not carried on CNN/FOX or any news channel until I happened to hear about on on a talk show. The ones who did this are outright animals and should be treated as such. Had these victims been black - the whole country would be up in arms. Its time to stand up for what's right regardless of ethnicity.
Posted by: Bobby Location: Morriston,Florida on Aug 16, 2007 at 06:00 PM
its time we passed a law,if you commit a murder,tried and found guilty. we kill you the same way you killed your victims. i would love to be on that jury.HEY AL AND JESSE,how come you guys are not running your big mouths now???must be because the victims are white..
Posted by: Denise Location: Minnesota on Aug 11, 2007 at 10:41 PM
Most Horrible Crime I have ever read about! Anyone who believes these devils shouldn't die is reprehensible! The only thing they deserve is a 4 x 4 metal cage until they are put to death! Like rabid animals at the shelters! I own a house in TN and considered moving there, but forget it! Football means more than justice! How sad!
Posted by: Tom Location: St. Paul, MN on Aug 9, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Channon Christian and Chris Newsom's slaughter at the hands of purely "evil" people is way overdue for some national media's attention.Why no comments from the talking heads on Fox and CNN? Why has this "evil" crime been hushed up by so many in the media? I wonder if Court T.V. will even have the guts to follow the trials? If this was not a "hate crime", what in the world could be? The animals who took part in this crime need to feel the wrath of decent human beings who value and cherish all life. That wrath should be public for all to witness. The national media surely has a responsibility to publish the full accountings of how justice will be served to these "evil" individuals on a national level.
Posted by: edward Location: new york on Aug 1, 2007 at 12:13 PM
This is a shocking crime that deserve more media coverage. However, the media will not cover this story as aggressively as other white on black crime because it fits into the fear that blacks do commit crimes on whites. Ask the big news networks why this crime has not recieved as moch coverage as Jasper TX. This crime was on the news from the time it was commited to the end now its a movie. The Duke University non-crime was aired weekly and no one died. By the way MR DA this is a hate crime based on the facts. Stop trying to play the game and start doing your job. If you can't because of the powers that be than step down and let a competent person take over.
Posted by: Ryan Location: Montgomery, AL on Jul 27, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Once again, anytime a Caucasian protests this as a "hate crime" it is regarded by liberals as a political stance as witnessed by one of the comments below. Not everyone who calls this what it actually is, which is a "hate crime", a screaming moron racist. HATE CRIME!!! PERIOD!!! I cannot believe for the life of me that the incompetent DA's office is trying to use the fact that these "thugs" associated with white people as an excuse to not charge them with hate crimes. That is a completely ludicrous stand and only shows that the DA's office is more concerned of a riot in East Knoxville, than they are of justice. Skew the facts and statistics all you want. I'm sure Leonard Pitts is spending most of his nights doing this when he is not writing "pro brother" columns in the Miami Herald. Now that is a racist for you.
Posted by: sharon (zabel) ballard Location: glasgow, ky on Jul 24, 2007 at 01:53 PM
truly sad and sickening that two young people would have to have their lives shortened by such brutality. they need to do the same thing to those less than human people that they done to Channon and Chris. My prayers will be with them and their families.
Posted by: KC Location: Owensboro, KY on Jul 23, 2007 at 05:57 PM
It is a sad, sad thing that has happened to these young people. It is a sadder thing that there are people who awaits tragedies such as this to voice their political opinions. This isn't a racially motivated murder because the perpetrators are black and the victoms were white. The brutality of it is the worst possible thing that anyone could imagine, and that is what the focus should be on, not the color of the people involved.
Posted by: Richard Location: New York on Jul 23, 2007 at 01:01 PM
Why wasn't this broadcast over bigger markets. Michael Richards and Don Imus got huge media coverage and all they did was speak, not rape and murder. These people are a bunch of animals who have no regard for human life. I hope they all receive the death penalty.
Posted by: MICHAEL D. Location: RICHMOND, CALIF on Jul 15, 2007 at 07:58 PM
WHY DON'T THEY ADD HATE CRIME TO THE LIST OF CRIMES? LET'S CALL IT WHAT IT IS... HATE CRIME THAT INVOLVED A BRUTAL MURDER AND ALL THE REST. IT'S HATE CRIME. OR IS THAT TOO STRONG FOR THE POLITICALLY CORRECT TYPES? HATE CRIME.
Posted by: MICHAEL D. Location: RICHMOND, CALIF on Jul 15, 2007 at 07:43 PM
THEY ALL SHOULD GET THE DEATH PENALTY, SURE AND SWIFT. NO APPEALS, NOTHING. STETCH THEIR NECKS LIKE THE CHICKENS THEY ARE.
Posted by: tom Location: hermosa beach CA on Jul 15, 2007 at 07:28 PM
I am far away and everyone I know here has known about this since the week it happened. There is no lack of coverage.
Posted by: rudy Location: Brandon, ms on Jul 12, 2007 at 04:03 PM
This is sickening. These savages should have been put to death in Feb. I hope the good Lord is more forgiving than I would be, because they would fry for eternity if I had anything to do with it.
Posted by: Bill Location: Summerville, SC on Jul 10, 2007 at 08:34 PM
I find it incomprehensible that the national news mediums haven't covered this story. It is definately more gruesome than the alleged Duke University rape case. Where is Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson when something like this happens in the inverse?
 
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