In a tragic and random act of violence, 67-year-old Doris Campbell Beets, a retired teacher's assistant, and her husband of 48 years, Boyd Michael Beets, also 67, were shot and killed at their Knoxville, Tennessee, home on March 21, 2020. The couple, described as kind and wonderful people, were high school sweethearts and active members of their church.
The events leading to the double homicide began with a domestic dispute between Ronnie Edward Johnson, 31, of Alcoa, and his girlfriend,
Amy Clarkson. Clarkson reportedly fled from Johnson's truck and sought help at the Beets' residence, drawn by a porch light. As she reached the porch, Johnson allegedly attempted to run her over with his truck, crashing into the front of the house.
After crashing the vehicle, Johnson is said to have entered the home and shot both Doris and Boyd Beets. Clarkson managed to escape again as Johnson continued to pursue her. Neighbors who heard the crash and gunshots alerted the authorities.
Ronnie Edward Johnson was apprehended near the scene and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and one count of aggravated domestic assault. He was held at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility on a $2.52 million bond. The Knox County Sheriff's Office described the incident as a 'truly a random event that resulted in tragic loss of life.'
