David Batts
David Batts, 46, worked as a maintenance worker for Knoxville Area Transit. He died in early January 2025 after encounters with police and hospital staff in Knoxville. His lawyer, Lance Baker, says Batts was tased and struck multiple times by Knox County officers at the Rodger D. Wilson Detention Facility, and that the family is waiting for an autopsy. Baker does not know which officers were involved or whether other weapons were used, and the Knox County Sheriff's Office had not responded to requests for comment.
Cause of death, as reported: Killed by staff (disputed). His family's lawyer, Lance Baker, says Knox County officers tased and struck David Batts multiple times at the Rodger D. Wilson Detention Facility, and the family is awaiting an autopsy; the Knox County Sheriff's Office had not responded to requests for comment.
Reported by: Lance Baker, the family's lawyer (family or their lawyers).