In the early morning hours of July 15, 2015, the quiet of a Knoxville, Tennessee neighborhood was shattered by a discovery that would leave a family grieving and a community searching for answers. John Howard Lott, a 26-year-old male, was found lifeless on the front porch of his James Avenue residence. A neighbor, seeing him lying unresponsive in the doorway, made the call to authorities at approximately 7:18 a.m.
When Knoxville police officers arrived at the scene, they found that Lott
had sustained at least one gunshot wound. Investigators determined that the shooting had likely occurred sometime during the night. The preliminary investigation led authorities to believe that Lott was the intended target of the attack. His body was transported to the forensics center for an examination as detectives began the arduous task of piecing together the events that led to his untimely death.
In the days following the discovery, investigators conducted interviews and processed evidence found at the residence. However, despite their efforts, no immediate arrests were made in connection with the homicide. The case garnered local media attention, but as time passed, updates on the investigation became scarce.
Known to his friends as 'Big John,' Lott's death was a profound loss to his family and loved ones. His obituary remembered him as a son and brother, leaving behind his parents, Lorrina 'Bitsy' Gibson and Walter Lott, and a sister, Shirley Bowman. The lack of resolution in his case left a painful void for those who knew him, as the question of who was responsible for his death, and why, remained unanswered.
