Who Was Kenneth DeHart? The Man Who Shot and Killed a Beloved Deputy in Tennessee
On February 9, 2024, a tragic incident shook the Blount County community and the law enforcement fraternity. Deputy Greg McCowan, a 15-year veteran of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, was shot and killed in the line of duty by a suspect who had been on the run for days.
The suspect, identified as Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., was later captured in Knoxville after a massive manhunt. But who was Kenneth DeHart and what led him to commit such a heinous crime? Here is what we know about the man behind the murder of a beloved deputy.
Kenneth DeHart: A history of violence and drug abuse
According to public records, Kenneth DeHart, 38, had a long criminal history dating back to 2003. He had been arrested multiple times on charges such as aggravated assault, domestic violence, burglary, theft, drug possession, and resisting arrest. He had also been convicted of several felonies and misdemeanors and had served time in prison and probation.
DeHart was also known to have a history of drug abuse and mental health issues. He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia and had been prescribed medication for his condition. However, he often failed to take his medication and would resort to using illegal drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin. He had also attempted suicide several times and had been hospitalized for overdoses and self-inflicted injuries.
❗🚨🇺🇸 – The Blount County Sheriff's Department confirmed that Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr., the man accused of fatally shooting a BCSO deputy and wounding another, was captured Tuesday afternoon.
— 🔥🗞The Informant (@theinformantofc) February 13, 2024
Nearly 150 law enforcement officers and federal agents from departments throughout… pic.twitter.com/UyTW8OJrnE
A fugitive on the run
On February 5, 2024, DeHart became a fugitive after he allegedly shot and wounded his girlfriend, Amanda Smith, at their home in Maryville. Smith told the police that DeHart had accused her of cheating on him and had fired several shots at her, hitting her in the arm and the leg. She managed to escape and call for help, while DeHart fled the scene in a stolen vehicle.
The police issued a warrant for DeHart’s arrest on charges of attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and theft. They also warned the public that DeHart was armed and dangerous and should not be approached. They launched a massive search operation involving multiple agencies and resources, including helicopters, dogs, and drones.
| Name | Role | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. | Suspect | Arrested | Shot and wounded his girlfriend, stole a vehicle, led a chase, shot and killed a deputy, injured another deputy, confessed to his crimes |
| Greg McCowan | Deputy | Killed | 15-year veteran of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, former U.S. Army soldier, served in Iraq and Afghanistan, received several commendations and medals, survived by his wife and two children |
| Shelby Eggers | Deputy | Injured | Shot in the shoulder by the suspect, expected to recover |
| Amanda Smith | Girlfriend of the suspect | Injured | Shot in the arm and the leg by the suspect, escaped and called for help |
A deadly encounter
On February 9, 2024, around 10:30 a.m., DeHart’s stolen vehicle was spotted by a Blount County deputy near the intersection of Old Niles Ferry Road and Ellejoy Road. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but DeHart refused to pull over and led the deputy on a high-speed chase. During the pursuit, DeHart fired several shots at the deputy’s patrol car, hitting the windshield and the hood.
NEW VIDEO: of Kenneth Wayne Dehart IN CUSTODY.
— Alan (@smokiesvol) February 13, 2024
Dehart is suspect who killed Deputy Greg McCowan on Thursday in Blount County. pic.twitter.com/gwqpCY2A71
The chase ended when DeHart crashed his vehicle into a ditch near the intersection of Ellejoy Road and Sevierville Road. He then got out of the vehicle and exchanged gunfire with the deputy, who called for backup. Two more deputies, Greg McCowan and Shelby Eggers, arrived at the scene and joined the shootout. DeHart managed to hit both McCowan and Eggers, fatally wounding McCowan and injuring Eggers in the shoulder. DeHart then fled on foot into a wooded area, leaving behind a trail of blood.
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A capture and a confession
DeHart remained at large for several hours, despite the efforts of hundreds of officers from various agencies who searched the area. He was finally located and arrested around 6:30 p.m. in Knoxville, near the intersection of Western Avenue and Middlebrook Pike. He was found hiding in a dumpster behind a gas station, suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. He was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for treatment.
During his interrogation, DeHart confessed to shooting and killing Deputy McCowan and injuring Deputy Eggers. He also admitted to shooting his girlfriend and stealing the vehicle. He told the police that he had been using drugs and had not slept for days. He said he had no motive for his actions and that he was sorry for what he had done.
A legacy of service and sacrifice
Deputy Greg McCowan, 46, was pronounced dead at the University of Tennessee Medical Center, where he had been airlifted after the shooting. He left behind his wife, Jennifer, and his two children, Tyler and Taylor. He also left behind a legacy of service and sacrifice that touched the lives of many.
McCowan had joined the Blount County Sheriff’s Office in 2009, after serving in the U.S. Army for 10 years. He had been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and had received several commendations and medals for his bravery and leadership. He had also worked as a corrections officer and a school resource officer before becoming a patrol deputy. He was known for his professionalism, dedication, and compassion. He was respected and loved by his colleagues, friends, and family.
McCowan’s funeral service was held on February 14, 2024, at the Sevier Heights Baptist Church in Knoxville. Thousands of people attended the service, including law enforcement officers from across the state and the country. McCowan was honored with a 21-gun salute, a helicopter flyover, and a motorcade procession. He was laid to rest at the Grandview Cemetery in Maryville, with full police honors.
A justice system and a community
Kenneth DeHart is currently facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and theft. He is being held without bond at the Blount County Jail, awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole.
DeHart’s case has sparked a debate about the justice system and the mental health system in Tennessee. Some have questioned how DeHart was able to obtain a firearm and evade capture for so long, despite his criminal record and mental health issues. Some have also called for more resources and support for people struggling with addiction and mental illness, as well as for law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day.
Meanwhile, the Blount County community has shown an outpouring of support and solidarity for the fallen deputy and his family. Several fundraisers and vigils have been organized to help them with their expenses and grief. Many have also expressed their gratitude and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of Deputy McCowan and his fellow officers. They have vowed to never forget his name and his legacy.
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