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The Great Smoky Mountain Journal

Tuesday, January 01, 2019 03:04 PM

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Inmate Seeks To Kill Knox County Detention Officer With Ink Pen
An inmate at the Roger D. Wilson Detention Facility attempted to kill a corrections officer who was leading her out for recreation time on Sunday, according to the sheriff's office.


The Knox County Sheriff's Office said Officer Tiffany Brackett asked 21-year-old Talanda Yarbrough "Yarbrough, how are you feeling today?"

According to the arrest report, Yarbrough responded with "What" and Brackett repeated her question.

"Good, how are you," Yarbrough then replied, and Brackett said "I'm OK." That's when Yarbrough allegedly attacked Brackett, punching her in the face and grabbing her ponytail to pull her head down. Yarbrough then grabbed Brackett's pen from her sleeve and allegedly stabbed her in the head and arms.

The sheriff's office said Brackett attempted to maneuver away from the attack but was unsuccessful. Yarbrough was taken into custody soon after.

Brackett was taken to Fort Sanders Hospital where she received treatment for her injuries — including seven staples in the back of her head.

Yarbrough was jailed on assault charges, accused of beating her grandmother with a cell phone. She now faces an additional attempted first degree murder charge after Sunday's attack.