SUMMARY: In Tennessee, the felony murder law allows people to be convicted of murder even if they didn’t directly kill someone, as long as they were committing a felony when a death occurred. Sen. Raumesh Akbari proposes changing this to ensure fairness for those not intending murder. Supporters argue all participants in violent felonies share responsibility, while critics, including victims’ families and those affected, call for more precise accountability. Some, like Ashlee Sellars, served decades despite not planning or causing a death. The Senate Judiciary Committee discussed the issue in a summer study but took no action; a bill may be considered next legislative session.

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SUMMARY: Fifteen-year-old Evelette High is set to appear in court after being charged with first-degree murder for shooting her father in June. According to court documents, High was upset because her father took her phone and restricted her relationship with her boyfriend. After loading a gun and checking on her younger brother, she spent about 20 minutes debating before shooting her father in the head while he slept. She called 911 afterward. The judge ordered mental health testing and has yet to decide whether she will be tried in juvenile or adult court. The case remains under investigation and court proceedings are ongoing.

Evalett High is charged with First Degree Murder. Court documents show she allegedly shot and killed her father because she was angry he’d taken away her phone.

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SUMMARY: Heavy rain and flooding in Tennessee caused a tree to fall on a car in East Ridge, killing a mother, father, and child. Floodwaters trapped many people in vehicles and homes, prompting dramatic rescues, including one where a man broke an SUV window to save a woman as water rose rapidly. Over 940 emergency calls flooded 911 between 6 p.m. and midnight. Chattanooga recorded over 6.4 inches of rain, its second-wettest day since 1879. Flooding closed parts of Interstate 24 temporarily. Swiftwater teams rescued residents trapped by rising waters. Despite the tragedy, officials noted property damage was less severe than expected.

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