Investigations – Cold Case – Homicide – Ricky Tipton Thompson

Ricky Tipton Thompson

On September 4, 2006, three victims, Theresa McMahan, John Pierce, and Ricky Thompson, were sitting outside 1316 Maple Street in a Dodge Caravan talking to Matt Moore when an unknown vehicle pulled up and unknown suspects began shooting at the Caravan. The suspects shot several rounds into the vehicle and drove off. A short time later, the unknown vehicle returned and fired several more shots at the victim’s vehicle, striking McMahan, Pierce, and Thompson. The victims were transported to UT Hospital, where Thompson died as a result of his injury.

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.