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Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Government health officials are investigating several health problems reported with potentially contaminated medications made by a Tennessee specialty pharmacy.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Two Tennessee appellate court judges have notified Gov. Bill Haslam that they will not run for another term on the bench in the August 2014 retention election.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Three middle schoolers are facing felony vandalism charges for causing damage to several classrooms in a Rockwood elementary school.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >> Authorities are investigating a deadly bicycle accident that happened on Friday afternoon.More >> You may have seen the groups of kids in matching T-shirts walking around downtown Knoxville.More >> You may have seen the groups of kids in matching T-shirts walking around downtown Knoxville.More >> A 67-year-old man is behind bars, accused of heading a major drug operation in Cocke County.More >> A 67-year-old man is behind bars, accused of heading a major drug operation in Cocke County.More >> Official charges have been filed against the former police officer who opened fire at a Bean Station pharmacy, killing the owner and another man, and injuring two women.More >> Official charges have been filed against the former police officer who opened fire at a Bean Station pharmacy, killing the owner and another man, and injuring two women.More >> The Ocoee River in Polk County is now the most visited whitewater rafting river in the United States, according to a study put out by the University of Tennessee.More >> The Ocoee River in Polk County is now the most visited whitewater rafting river in the United States, according to a study put out by the University of Tennessee.More >> Work is beginning to preserve Oak Ridge's historic Alexander Inn with renovations to convert it into an assisted living facility.More >> Work is beginning to preserve Oak Ridge's historic Alexander Inn with renovations to convert it into an assisted living facility.More >> Tennesseans are showing off their volunteer spirit this weekend to help out the people affected by this week's devastating Oklahoma tornado.More >> Tennesseans are showing off their volunteer spirit this weekend to help out the people affected by this week's devastating Oklahoma tornado.More >>
CHATTANOOGA (AP) - A man charged with killing a Chattanooga police officer during a pawn shop robbery last year has entered a guilty plea.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports Jesse Mathews avoided a death penalty trial by entering the plea Friday in Hamilton County Criminal Court. Instead, he was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus 25 years.
District Attorney Bill Cox said the sentence is long enough that Mathews will likely die behind bars for fatally shooting police Sgt. Tim Chapin, who had responded to the robbery at the U.S. Money Shops store.
Matthews had come to the area last year to meet family after fleeing from a Colorado halfway house.
Mathews will not be able to appeal under terms of the agreement.
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