In the autumn of 2017, the life of 27-year-old Diondus Bryant Billings, a Black male from Knoxville, Tennessee, was tragically cut short. On the evening of Sunday, October 29, 2017, police responded to a call about a man lying in the roadway in the 900 block of Baker Avenue in South Knoxville. Upon arrival, they discovered Billings, who had succumbed to at least one gunshot wound.
Witnesses reported seeing a small, dark vehicle, possibly a Nissan Altima, leaving the scene shortly after the incident.
The investigation into Billings's death quickly led authorities to a suspect, Phillip Jerome Locke. It was revealed that the fatal encounter was arranged under the guise of a drug transaction. Locke reportedly believed that Billings was connected to the death of his brother and orchestrated the meeting with the intent of confrontation. Days after the shooting, Locke was taken into custody by the Knoxville Police Department.
Another individual, Shaniquia Robinson, was also apprehended in connection with the case. She was believed to have been driving the vehicle used in the crime and was arrested following a police chase. Robinson faced charges of felony evading arrest, driving on a suspended license, and failure to exercise due care.
Phillip Jerome Locke ultimately faced a trial for his role in the death of Diondus Billings. He was convicted of first-degree murder, felony murder, especially aggravated robbery, and carjacking, among other charges. The court sentenced him to life in prison, with an additional 30 years to be served.
