Car Crash Kills Lead Investigator in Johnia's Murder

WATE:

An automobile crash claimed the lives of two people late Tuesday night. One of the victims was 42-year-old Knox County Sheriff's Assistant Chief Deputy Keith Lyon, the lead investigator on the Johnia Berry murder case.

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Lyon's brother, Narcotics Division Capt. Bernie Lyon, tells 6 News he was a great man who worked very hard for the sheriff's office and his community.

Lyon was working to solve the murder of Johnia Berry, who was stabbed to death at her West Knox County apartment in December 2004. No suspects have ever been arrested.

Lyon's brother says he was very passionate about finding Berry's killer. He interviewed thousands of people and logged thousands of hours on the investigation.

Lyon served a little over 18 years with the Knox County Sheriff's Office. He began his career there in July 1988 as a correctional officer. He was promoted to jail sergeant in 1991, jail lieutenant in 1993 and jail captain in 1995.

In 1996, Lyon was promoted to assistant chief deputy of administration, and then to assistant chief deputy in 1997.

Lyon graduated from the state Law Enforcement Training Academy in Donelson and received his POST certification in December 1990. He was commander of the Hazardous Devices Team.

Four times, Lyon received Officer of the Month, twice in 1995 and twice in 2001. He was commander of the first Special Operations Response Team in 1991.

Lyon also helped organize a relief effort following Hurricane Katrina. He helped arrange a trip with 11 officers to the Gulf Coast region of Harrison County, Mississippi in October. The officers took their own vacation time and brought three truckloads of donated building materials.

My sympathies to Deputy Lyon's family, and to the family of the other driver killed in the crash.