KNOXVILLE, TENN. — A Daughter’s Fight for Justice Nearly Three Decades Later
In a somber reflection of love and loss, the city of Knoxville finds itself entwined in an emotional battle for justice that remains unresolved even after nearly thirty years. The story goes back to a chilly February evening in 1995 when two beloved community members, Lester and Carol Dotts, were tragically murdered in their Farragut home. This heartbreaking incident unfolded just after the couple returned from a dinner out, forever altering the lives of those who loved them.
Now, their daughter, Jeanne Dotts Brykalski, is stepping forward to keep the memory of her parents alive while also fighting to ensure that the man responsible for their killings stays locked up. “They were two of the most giving, loving, caring people. Our house was always the house my friends could come to,” Jeanne shared, reminiscent of a family home infused with warmth and kindness. The horror of the night her parents died remains vivid; she recalled the moment her husband discovered their lifeless bodies and the devastating news he brought to her. “He looks up into my eyes and there are tears coming down his face and then he looks down and starts squeezing my hands and he said ‘Your parents are dead.’”
Facing the Past: The Criminal’s Path
According to investigations, David Scarbrough was one of three suspects in this unfathomable crime. Back in 2006, he pled guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and was handed a hefty sentence of 66 years in prison, which allowed for the possibility of parole. However, as Jeanne so poignantly points out, Scarbrough has never taken full responsibility for his actions, asserting, “He refuses to hold himself accountable. His family never held him accountable, so he doesn’t think he should be held accountable now.”
It’s important to note that this upcoming hearing, set for December 10, will mark Scarbrough’s third attempt at parole after previous denials in 2015 and 2021. Each hearing serves as a painful reminder for Jeanne and other family members, forcing them to relive the horrible memories of that night, a process that Joan Berry from Hope for Victims understands all too well. “It’s heartbreaking to see families that have to go through this again,” she said. Berry’s organization aims to support families grappling with the trauma of violent crime, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding during these tough times.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
Even after all these years, Jeanne remains resolute in her mission to seek justice for her parents. Understanding Scarbrough desires to reunite with his family, she feels that sentiment misses the point entirely. “He keeps talking about how he wants to be back with his family. Well, guess what? I would have loved to spend the last 30 years with my family,” she stated, exemplifying the lingering emptiness left behind by the tragic loss of her parents.
As we look forward to this impending parole hearing, it’s a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that violent crime can have on families and communities. For Jeanne Dotts Brykalski, the fight is more than just about keeping a killer behind bars; it’s about preserving the legacy of two incredible individuals who loved, cared, and opened their home to others. The resilience of the human spirit is on full display as she stands tall for justice, refusing to let her parents’ story fade away.
As the healing continues, the community holds its breath for the outcome of the hearing, sharing hope and solidarity with Jeanne in her unyielding quest for justice.
