An 18-year-old man is facing charges of first-degree murder after the death of his three-month-old child. Adrien Dokes was charged following the infant becoming unresponsive and later dying due to severe injuries, as reported by the Knoxville Police Department.
The incident took place on Thursday, September 11, when KPD officers were called to an apartment on 322 Forestal Drive around 8 p.m. They found the child in a critically unresponsive state. Despite being rushed to the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, the boy tragically passed away shortly after midnight. Investigators believe the child was in Dokes' care during the time he sustained the fatal injuries. According to the Knoxville Police Department's official statement, Dokes was taken into custody and "charged with first degree murder in perpetuating of child abuse."
The Knoxville Police Department's press release further states that their officers, along with KPD Homicide Unit and Special Crimes detectives, responded swiftly, detaining Dokes on scene. After a preliminary interrogation, the decision was made to officially charge him.
Details surrounding the event are still being uncovered as the investigation continues. The young victim is set to undergo an autopsy at the Regional Forensic Center, which will aim to clarify the exact cause of death and the full scope of injuries sustained.
