On a summer day in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee, the life of 39-year-old Joanie Danielle Hendricks was tragically cut short. On July 14, 2018, what should have been a day of celebration for her son's birthday turned into a scene of unimaginable violence. While driving with her husband, Brandon Ashley Hendricks, and their 7-year-old son, an argument broke out between the couple.
The family was on their way to Walmart to pick up food for the boy's birthday party when the dispute escalated.
In a sudden and horrific turn of events, Brandon Hendricks pulled out a handgun and shot his wife multiple times in the head and neck. The act was committed in the presence of their young child. Immediately following the shooting, Brandon Hendricks called 911 and confessed to what he had done. Joanie Hendricks, a lifelong resident of Hamilton County and a beloved employee at Middle Valley Animal Hospital for 18 years, was pronounced dead.
Brandon Ashley Hendricks was arrested and initially charged with premeditated first-degree murder. After undergoing mental health evaluations, which determined that a plea of insanity could not be sustained, he entered into a negotiated plea agreement. Hendricks pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of second-degree murder.
In May 2023, a judge sentenced Brandon Hendricks to 35 years in prison for the murder of his wife. He also received a concurrent sentence of 15 years for aggravated child endangerment. During the sentencing, Hendricks expressed remorse, stating to the court and Joanie's family, 'I am so, so sorry that this happened. I wish I could take it back.' When his son asked him why he did it, Hendricks replied, 'I don't know. I just snapped.'
