KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – A jury convicted a man in connection with a church fire in McMinn County.
Tenth Judicial District Attorney General Stephen Hatchett announced Friday that Kyle Hickox was convicted of first-degree murder of Linda Buchanan, arson of St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church and abuse of a corpse.
On Aug. 15, 2024, TBI said special agents began investigating a fire that broke out at St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Athens.
During the investigation, TBI said authorities found Buchanan, 69, inside the church. An autopsy revealed she died prior to the fire.
Hickox was sentenced to life in prison. He will not be eligible for parole until he serves a minimum of 51 years.
“This case was brought to trial as quickly as possible after the murder of Ms. Buchanan and it is my sincere hope this verdict and sentence brings a measure of peace and closure to her family, friends, and loved ones and the congregation of St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church as a whole,” Hatchett said.
