From WRIL - The Big One -
WARNING - GRAPHIC DETAILS
As we first reported, Claiborne County Sheriff's Department and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation joined forces in a death investigation after a Tuesday April 2nd incident.
First responders arrived on scene in the 500 Block of Barren Creek Road at what was described as a vehicle crashing into an embankment along the roadway.
One person, now identified as 36-year-old Benjamin Wayne Hopson was able to climb out of the vehicle, while Claiborne County Jail employee, Hopson's wife 48-year-old Lori Ann Hopson was discovered deceased at the location by Claiborne County Deputies, along with South Claiborne Fire Department.
Today, Benjamin Hopson was formally charged with her death. The criminal complaint acquired by WRIL and taken out by TBI Special Agent Kris Sanders states that Hopson: "used a knife to unlawfully kill his wife" and "violently attacked" her inside the couple's vehicle as they traveled along Barren Creek Road in New Tazewell, Tn. It is further stated that Benjamin Hopson stabbed Lori multiple times causing her death.
It was determined that after the vehicle left the roadway, and down an embankment, Hopson used the knife to cut the throat of Lori and then left her deceased body laying on the ground outside the vehicle.
According to investigators, Ben Hopson was seen after the accident by witnesses who described him as being naked, wet, and having blood on his hand and body. He was then located and taken into custody a short distance from the scene.
Benjamin Hopson was arraignment in Claiborne County General Session Court in front of Judge Robert Estep. He is being held on a $1,000,000 bond.
Claiborne County Sheriff Bob Brooks states that the TBI will be providing more information in an additional news release shortly.