Barbara Sue Dixon Rogers, a 57-year-old White female from Knoxville, Tennessee, was tragically killed on Sunday, March 8, 2020. She was the victim of a triple homicide that also claimed the lives of her roommate, 55-year-old Mildred 'Millie' Blackwell, and Blackwell's 29-year-old daughter, Juliana White. Rogers and Blackwell were found shot to death in their home on Trousdale Road.
White was discovered deceased on Division Street.
Desmon Rhea, who was known to the victims, was quickly identified as the primary suspect and was taken into custody later the same day. He was subsequently charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder, aggravated child endangerment, aggravated burglary, and employing a firearm during a dangerous felony. The investigation into the killings was complicated by what some described as mishandled 911 calls that were made from the residence in the hours leading up to the discovery of the women's bodies.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a timeline of events that detailed multiple people being present at the house on the night of the murders. The defense raised concerns about the delayed police response and the potential impact it may have had on the investigation. Ultimately, Desmon Rhea was found guilty of the first-degree murders of Barbara Rogers and Mildred Blackwell, and the second-degree murder of Juliana White.
Barbara was remembered by her family as a fun-loving person who cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren. She had a close relationship with her best friend, Millie Blackwell. Her son expressed that despite the tragic circumstances of his mother's death, he found it in his heart to forgive the man responsible.
