Investigations – Cold Case – Homicide – Mary Francis Holt

Mary Francis Holt

On November 26, 1989, the skeletal remains of Mary Francis Holt were found approximately 53 feet from the roadway of Lyons Bend Road near the entrance to the KUB 4th Creek Treatment Plant. The remains were two-four months old. She had suffered a severe fracture to the right side of the skull and died as a result of foul play. Based on soil samples, she might have died between July 14 and July 19. Investigators believe that she was nude when her body was left near the entrance of the treatment plant.

1985 Homicide of Betty Joyce Brown

On July 20, 1985 the burned body of Betty Joyce Brown,aka Simmons, was found in the woods at 3805 Maloney Road in South Knox County. The 29 year old Austin-East graduate had been stabbed before being burned. Ms. Brown was last seen on July 14, 1985 between midnight and 1:00am in front of the Bread Box at Magnolia Ave and Spruce Street. It is believed that Ms. Brown was offered and accepted a ride from an unknown subject. Ms. Brown’s last know address was 2737 Tarleton Ave. Initial investigation indicated that when Ms. Brown’s body was found, she had been dead approximately 1 week. Family members described Ms. Brown as being a “very sweet and loving mother.”

If you have any information please call the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit at (865)-215-3520/3590 or e-mail coldcase@knoxsheriff.org.