By David Lohr
May 23, 2007
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Crime Library) — Earlier this month, I brought you the story of a horrific double homicide that occurred several months ago in Knoxville. The case, which at first received little media attention, has since been grabbing headlines across the nation. The result has been both good and bad, depending on the viewpoint of the individual reader.
Some people have stood behind the family of the victims, Christopher Newsom, Jr., 23, and Channon Christian, 21, by sending cards and well wishes, while others have used their deaths as proof that black-on-white hate crimes — what some groups are calling this case — do not receive the same amount of media attention as white-on-black hate crimes. Regardless of what side of the fence you stand on, the case is now becoming an issue of free speech.
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| Channon and Christopher |
Yesterday, the Knox County Commission committee voted 6-2, with one abstention, to ask that the Against Black Crimes (ABC) Group, cancel a rally they had planned for June 16 in front of the former Knox County Courthouse. Ken Gregg, who has a history with the White Patriot Party, filed the group's permit application. According to a website allegedly affiliated with Gregg, the purpose of the rally was to protest black-on-white crime.
"While recognizing the First Amendment rights of all, the Knox County Commission strongly needs to request that the rally not be held," Commissioner Greg Lambert said during the meeting. "This community has seen a hate crime the likes of which we've never seen. I don't want these racist hate mongers to come here."
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Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian Brutally Murdered As The Nation Looks on
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