Rutherford County Sheriff's Office Cold Cases move forward thanks to forensic technology and other high-tech aids. Det. Sgt. Richard Brinkley and Public Iinformation Officer Lisa Marchesoni share interesting history of local cold case studies. They also discuss the asset of soon having a Rutherford County Forensic Center. Det. Sgt. Richard Brinkley said the local complex that is being constructed in Smyrna will enable law enforcement to get answers more quickly and allow family's to have "closure" to cases involving family members and loved one.
COLD CASE: RCSO is getting new data on a Tuesday, Aug. 1, 1978 murder where the deceased male was found smolderfing in a burning blanket at Pool Knob Recreation area along Percy Priest Lake (Smyrna-La Vergne area).
- Victim died from multiple bullet wounds (at least 5, with 3 to the head) He also had severe burns. He had been dead for approximately 8-hours when a caretaker discovered the body.
- The victim was known as "John Doe" for 47-years. Then a combination of DNA and family gene tracing, let RCSO to a niece in Fayetteville, NC.
- "John Doe" was now Jessie Lee Williamson, who was born in Fayetteville, NC.
- He served in the Navy from 1944-1946, but records show him as Jesse Williams.
- The autopsy showed that he had an advanced type of heart surgery for that era: a synthetic material called "dacron" is used to replace damaged blood vessels (developed in the early 50's).
- He resided with his grandmoter, and no one else knew he was missing.
- Family members indicate he also was known to frequently visit Alabama.
If you remember anything, please contact Detective Sgt. Richard Brinkley at the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office: (615) 904-3045.
