KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The man who killed a Loudon County Sheriff's sergeant in 2022 continually expressed his remorse at a parole hearing Tuesday morning, while the board recommended his release be denied.
Christopher Savannah pleaded guilty back in November 2023 to vehicular homicide by intoxication for killing Loudon County Sgt. Chris Jenkins while he was high on marijuana and behind the wheel of his semi-truck.
Savannah took a plea agreement that included a 10-year-old prison sentence. He is eligible for release after serving 30% of his sentence, which would be Feb. 2025.
Tennessee Board of Parole Chairman, Roberta Nevil Kustoff, was in attendance while Savannah appeared over video. Sgt. Jenkins family also attended the hearing to speak out against his parole.
Savannah was asked to tell the parole board about what happened the day Jenkins was killed. He said it was raining and he saw the blue lights when he was headed around a curve. He claims he couldn't stop in time. Savannah expressed remorse several times throughout the hearing. He says he thinks about it every day.
He gave the board a whole rundown of the day and never mentioned being high or smoking weed. Kustoff reminded Savannah prosecutors found paraphernalia in his car and marijuana in his blood-19 grams per milliliter.
Savannah said he completed a 12 step substance abuse program and parenting classes in prison. He's had no write ups in prison and hopes to live with his mom in Houston.
Jenkins' sister strongly said she strongly opposed his release. She mentioned her brother would have become a grandfather in January 2025 and his daughter just started her first year of college. She hopes Savannah will be rehabilitated and continue those programs in prison to better himself. She hopes he doesn't take his time with his family for granted.
Jenkins' mother said she has prayed for the ability to forgive Savannah. She said she feels like she's in prison with him because everyday is the same and her son is gone.
District Attorney Russell Johnson also testified at the hearing. He said he was disappointed in his statement that he was a professional driver when really he was smoking weed and driving.
Kustoff recommended denying his request but he is eligible again in 3 years.
