KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two heartbreaking incidents have cast a shadow over Knoxville this weekend—one involving a fatal motorcycle crash that took the life of a woman in West Knoxville, and the other, an ongoing manhunt for the suspect accused of murdering Michael Velasquez earlier this month.
Fatal Crash Claims Life of Motorcyclist Passenger in West Knoxville
Early Saturday morning, July 19, tragedy struck on South Northshore Drive when a motorcycle and a Dodge Durango collided around 1:15 a.m., according to the Knoxville Police Department. The crash resulted in the death of the female passenger on the motorcycle, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have since identified the victim as 34-year-old Jasmine Taylor, a Knoxville resident known by friends and family for her vibrant spirit and love for riding.
The driver of the motorcycle, 36-year-old Darius Benson, sustained serious injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he remains in critical condition as of Saturday afternoon.
KPD said that both vehicles were traveling along the roadway when the collision occurred. Investigators have not yet released details about what led to the crash, and the case remains under active investigation.
The news of Jasmine’s death has devastated those who knew her. Social media has been flooded with tributes, remembering her as “fearless,” “funny,” and someone who “lit up every room she walked into.”
Community Demands Justice: Wayne Parham Wanted in Killing of Michael Velasquez
Meanwhile, in a separate and equally devastating case, Knoxville police continue the search for 28-year-old Wayne Parham, the man accused of murdering 48-year-old Michael Velasquez in a brutal attack on July 6.
Velasquez was killed near his home on Howard Baker Jr. Avenue, where police say he was hit with a hammer and then shot. Emergency responders arrived to find Velasquez unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
One arrest has been made in connection with the case. Kristin Drollinger, 35, has been charged with accessory after the fact for allegedly helping Parham evade authorities after the killing.
Velasquez was a devoted father to his 5-year-old son, Oliver, who is autistic and non-verbal. His former partner, Kendra Spangler, described him as a “tough-on-the-outside, gentle-on-the-inside” father who always put their son’s needs first.
“Mike was always there for Ollie,” Spangler said. “He either had him by his side or was out working so I could stay home and care for him. Losing him like this has turned our world upside down.”
Spangler recalled the horrifying moment she found him.
“I went out to grab breakfast that morning. When I got back, I saw someone lying in the walkway. I didn’t realize it was Mike at first. When it hit me, I just ran inside and called the police. I couldn’t believe it.”
She said knowing Parham is still on the run keeps her living in fear. “He was just a neighbor. If he could do this to Mike, he could do it to anyone.”
KPD Intensifies Search for Parham
Knoxville Police Department spokesperson Scott Erland said detectives are using every available resource to track down Parham.
“Our investigators take this case incredibly seriously,” Erland said. “They know the victims. They’ve spoken with the family. Getting justice for Michael Velasquez is why they do what they do.”
Anyone with information on Wayne Parham’s whereabouts is urged to contact the East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers at 865-215-7165. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.
“Please turn him in,” Spangler pleaded. “If it were someone you loved, you would want justice too.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support little Oliver’s ongoing needs. Community members are encouraged to donate and share the campaign to help provide care and stability for the child Michael loved so deeply.
As Knoxville mourns the loss of Jasmine Taylor and continues to rally behind the family of Michael Velasquez, both stories serve as painful reminders of life’s fragility—and the urgent need for justice, healing, and accountability.
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