Lawsuit Filed by Widow of Knox County Deputy Shot in the Line of Duty Blames Alleged Gunman’s Wife for Negligence

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — A Disturbing Lawsuit Unfolds

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the widow of a Knox County deputy who was tragically shot and killed last year has taken legal action against the widow of the man who allegedly pulled the trigger. Katarina Blakely is seeking a whopping $10 million in compensatory damages in a lawsuit filed Monday in Knox County Circuit Court, placing the blame squarely on Angela Rose.

A Night of Chaos

Let’s take a step back to the chaotic night of October 1, 2023. Deputy Tucker Blakely, along with his fellow deputies, was dispatched to the Rose residence on Denver Lane in West Knox County. Reports had come in about Matthew Rose, Angela’s husband, who had been behaving erratically. According to reports, Matthew had a long history of mental illness and behavioral problems, which only added to the concerns of those in the area.

Things took a violent turn when, at one point, Matthew reportedly forced Angela to accompany him to one of their vehicles at gunpoint. This distressing situation escalated further, leading them to encounter a neighbor. Following this, Matthew fled the scene in his Buick. Angela and the neighbor promptly contacted authorities, with Angela describing her husband as intoxicated and fearing for his safety.

Desperation and Fear

While waiting for help, Angela made arrangements to gather their children and leave their home, a decision stemming from genuine concern for everyone’s safety. But, as fate would have it, Matthew soon returned and instructed Angela to deceive the authorities about his location before hiding in a closet in their home.

Deputy Blakely and another officer, in their attempt to locate Matthew and diffuse the situation, entered the master bedroom. Tragically, that’s when Matthew emerged from his hiding spot and fatally shot Deputy Blakely. The other deputy, realizing the immediate danger, returned fire, ultimately killing Matthew Rose.

The Allegations of Negligence

The lawsuit filed by Katarina Blakely outlines some serious allegations against Angela Rose. According to the paperwork, Angela was well aware of her husband’s history of violent behavior, which included a prior incident involving gunfire in Michigan just a few months before, in July 2023. Furthermore, it stated that Matthew was under a protective order at the time, barring him from possessing any firearms due to the earlier incident. Yet, despite this, Angela allegedly allowed him access to two rifles and a handgun that were kept in their home, along with unsecured ammunition on their property.

The lawsuit claims that Angela Rose “took no steps” to prevent Matthew from leaving or to secure the firearms, knowing full well about his violent tendencies and intentions that night. It argues her negligence directly contributed to the tragic outcome that resulted in Deputy Blakely’s death.

Moving Forward

This lawsuit not only highlights the personal tragedy for both families involved but also raises larger issues about gun safety, mental health, and the responsibilities that come with firearm ownership. As the legal battle unfolds in the courts, many in the Knoxville community are left grappling with the profound loss of a dedicated public servant and the devastating ripple effects of this tragic night.

Stay tuned for further updates as this case develops and the community continues to process the events that transpired that fateful night.