From Russell Johnson - 9th Judicial District, District Attorney General

Convicted Murderer Remains at Large

Christopher Kennedy remains at large after failing to return for the start of court at the Roane County Courthouse for the fourth and final day of the jury trial where our office was prosecuting Kennedy and his wife, Evelyn Kennedy (a former loss prevention officer at a big box retailer), for the felony-murder death of Evelyn Kennedy’s aunt Betty Crews based upon their aggravated neglect of the elderly Crews.

The final day of trial went forward without Christopher Kennedy and both Kennedy’s were convicted of murder triggering mandatory life sentences for both. Evelyn Kennedy was sentenced to life and is in the Roane County jail.

After being charged and arrested in 2019 both Kennedys made their $100,000 bond through a local bonding company, so at the time of trial the Kennedy’s were not in custody.

Criminal Court Judge Jeff Wicks issued a capias for Christopher Kennedy’s arrest. District Attorney Russell Johnson authorized an unlimited extradition for NCIC so that when found anywhere in the US or its territories Kennedy can be extradited back to Roane County.

The Roane County Sheriff’s Office is utilizing all of its resources to locate Kennedy. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is assisting and the US Marshal’s Service is helping to locate and apprehend Kennedy as well.

If you have any information about the whereabouts of Christopher Kennedy please contact the Roane County Sheriff’s Office at 865-717-4700.