From WRIL The Big One -
As we reported in April of this year, the 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.
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.
TBI Special Agent Kris Sanders stated that Benjamin 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 was further stated that Benjamin Hopson stabbed Lori multiple times causing her death.
TBI agents obtained a warrant charging Ben Hopson with Criminal Homicide and he was served in the Claiborne County Jail, where he was already being held on other charges.
Hopson pleaded guilty to the crime. He will serve 37 years in jail and officials stated he must serve the entire sentence.