On a tragic afternoon in East Knox County, the life of Randy George Lands, a 44-year-old Caucasian male, was abruptly ended. On May 9, 2014, a man broke into the home he shared with his mother on Hunters Ridge Way. Randy, who had a learning disability and was known for his love of family and enjoyment of life, was fatally shot inside the residence.
The horrifying discovery was made by his own mother, Loretta Lands, and his sister, Rebecca Garner, who was visiting from Michigan.
As they arrived at the home, they were confronted at gunpoint by the intruder, Jeffery Willard Wooten. He forcibly took their keys, purse, cellphone, and vehicle. After Wooten fled in the stolen SUV, the two women entered the house to find Randy deceased in the kitchen and immediately called 911.
A manhunt for Wooten ensued, and a few hours later, deputies spotted the stolen vehicle. A high-speed chase followed, leading authorities through multiple counties before ending dramatically in West Knox County. Law enforcement officers forced the stolen SUV off Lovell Road, causing it to crash. Wooten was then taken into custody. The van he had driven to the Lands' home was left behind, filled with stolen items from the residence.
Jeffery Willard Wooten, 51 at the time of the trial, faced a jury for his crimes. In February 2016, he was found guilty of a string of charges, including first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, especially aggravated robbery, and carjacking. The jury sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a decision sought by the Knox County District Attorney to ensure he would never pose a threat to the community again. The conviction brought a measure of justice to Randy Lands' grieving family, who remembered him as a loving son and brother who, despite his challenges, had a full life.
