By David Lohr

(Continued)

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On Sunday, Channon's parents, Gary and Deena Christian, spoke with The Associated Press about the crimes.  In regards to Christopher and Channon's death, Gary said, "it was horrific and they were tortured." 

Despite the suspect's race, Gary said he did not believe the murders should be considered a hate crime.

Channon Christian

"I don't think they went out — black people looking for white people," Gary said.  "What it turned into, I don't know.  But I know this.  I believe in my heart that wild animals come in lots of different colors.  The end result is that they are still wild animals."

On the evening of Jan. 6, 2007, Christopher Newsom, Jr., and Channon Christian went out for a night on the town. When they failed to return home the following day, their families became worried and notified police that they were missing.  Not long afterwards, a railroad worker found Christopher's body near some tracks between Cherry Street and Ninth Ave.  Three days later, investigators discovered Channon's body in the apartment of 25-year-old Lemaricus Devall "Slim" Davidson, a resident of 2316 Chipman Street.

Lemaricus Devall "Slim" Davidson

Not long after the murders, police arrested Davidson at an empty house in Knoxville.  Additional arrests soon followed.  Eric DeWayne Boyd, 34, was arrested in Knoxville, and George Geovonni Thomas, 27, Vanessa Coleman, 18, and Davidson's brother, Letalvis Cobbins, 24, were arrested in Lebanon, Kentucky. 

Letalvis Cobbins

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Contact  David Lohr at         crimewriter74@hughes.net

Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian Brutally Murdered As The Nation Looks on

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