TN college couple raped, tortured, and murdered

**Daphne** · May 3rd, 2007, 04:25 PM

I am shocked that the murders of Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom haven't received press coverage. Although it happened in January, I didn't hear about it until yesterday. No major media outlet has covered it. The things that were done to them are unimaginable. I feel so sorry for their families.

Details of double slaying emerge

Suspects only wanted vehicle, friend tells agent
By JAMIE SATTERFIELD AND DON JACOBS, Satterfield@knews.com Jacobs@knews.com
January 13, 2007
They wanted the 4-Runner but wound up taking the lives of a young Knox County couple in brutal fashion, court records made public Friday reveal. "Originally the plan was to do a carjacking," a pal of fatal carjacking suspect Lemaricus Devall Davidson told a federal agent.

KnoxNews: Local

Channon Christian and Christopher Newsom murder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

**SVZ** · May 3rd, 2007, 04:33 PM

That's really sad...but coverage for the VTech shootings is already dying down.

**McJag** · May 3rd, 2007, 06:59 PM

Horrible. Those men deserve a fate just as bad,I swear.

**sweetness** · May 3rd, 2007, 07:28 PM

One of the guilty was an 18 year old girl!!

**Hugh_Jass** · May 3rd, 2007, 07:36 PM

This is the first I have heard of this. Shamefull!!!!

**celeb_2006** · May 3rd, 2007, 07:45 PM

Well the controversy section of Wikipedia hits it on the nail. It's a horrendous crime, but due to the racial aspect of it (white victims, black perpetrators), unfortunately some people would rather not stir up things I suppose. If it were the other way around the media would pay more attention to it, and automatically deem it a racist hate crime. Sorry to say but I feel that's how it goes.

**Daphne** · May 3rd, 2007, 08:26 PM

I agree ^. The Wikipedia article makes a great point about the extreme coverage of the Duke rape trial. This case has not been covered at all outside of TN.

The details of this case are just so disturbing. Newson was allegedly raped in front of Christian and his fingers and penis were cut off. He was then set on fire. Christian was raped for four days, was made to drink cleaning solution, and her breasts were cut off while she was alive. She was then shot three times and dismembered. Horrible, horrible stuff.

**celeb_2006** · May 3rd, 2007, 09:01 PM

Wow, that is absolutely horrid. In fact that is so mind numbingly brutal in its cold bloodedness, savagery, and wickedness that it's no surprise the media would try to stay away from it.

**PlayfulKisses** · May 3rd, 2007, 09:51 PM

There are no words. I am stunned and in shock from what I've read above. I have always known there is true evil in this world. The list goes on and on...but this is evil personified.

**khaebs** · May 3rd, 2007, 10:39 PM

The story is posted in more detail here Christopher Newsom and Channon Christian Brutally Murdered As The Nation Looks On - The Crime library
This is really upsetting.

**pacific breeze** · May 3rd, 2007, 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by Daphne

I agree ^. The Wikipedia article makes a great point about the extreme coverage of the Duke rape trial. This case has not been covered at all outside of TN.

The details of this case are just so disturbing. Newson was allegedly raped in front of Christian and his fingers and penis were cut off. He was then set on fire. Christian was raped for four days, was made to drink cleaning solution, and her breasts were cut off while she was alive. She was then shot three times and dismembered. Horrible, horrible stuff.

Apparently it was only two days that she was held hostage according to the prosecutors. The crime was horrible enough, but a lot of false information seems to be circulating around that should be discounted.

**Daphne** · May 4th, 2007, 12:00 AM

^
You are right. Everything I have read on the Internet indicated 4 days, but a quick America's Newspaper's archive search indicates that you are correct. It is still horrifying nonetheless.

**pacific breeze** · May 4th, 2007, 12:43 AM

So many rumours and distortions surface on the Internet and get repeated and distorted more...happens all the time.

**yanna** · May 4th, 2007, 01:04 AM

Ok, I feel seriously sick after reading this. And I'm disgusted that it was underreported not to offend racial sensitivities. Don't care what colour those creatures were they are monsters who should be put to death.

**january** · May 4th, 2007, 01:22 AM

Wow, I can't even respond, I just feel overwhelmed with emotion after I read that. I don't even know what to say. Its a travesty that this case hasn't received more press coverage.