Do you know who murdered Benjamin Jernigan in 2016? In the early morning hours of October 8, 2016, the life of 28-year-old Benjamin Collins Jernigan, a Caucasian male, was tragically cut short in an act of violence that remains a painful mystery for his family and the Knoxville, Tennessee community. Jernigan, a Knoxville native and Bearden High School graduate, was a man of many talents and a veteran of the United States Navy, where he served as a Mass Communication Specialist aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan.
After his military service, he pursued higher education, earning an associate's degree from Pellissippi State Community College with aspirations of obtaining a bachelor's degree from the University of Tennessee. His creative spirit was evident in his passion for music; he was an avid musician and singer who taught himself to play the ukulele, guitar, and drums.
On that fateful October night, Jernigan's vehicle broke down just a few blocks from his home in North Knoxville, at the intersection of Fairfax Avenue and Forsythe Street. As he attempted to fix his car, he was accosted by an unknown assailant. In a senseless act, Jernigan was shot at point-blank range. Investigators found evidence suggesting a robbery had taken place, leading them to believe the attack may have been a random act of violence. The perpetrator fled the scene, leaving behind a community in shock and a family devastated by the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend.
Despite the efforts of the Knoxville Police Department, the murder of Benjamin Jernigan remains a cold case. Investigators canvassed the neighborhood in the hopes of finding witnesses or any information that could lead to a suspect, but few leads emerged. No weapon was ever recovered, and DNA tests proved to be inconclusive. In the years since his death, his family has continued to seek justice, remembering him as a vibrant and unique individual who brought laughter and joy to those around him. The case remains open, and authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that might help them solve this tragic and cowardly crime.
