Jail Inmate Caught On Video Stabbing Fellow Inmates

  • Wednesday, January 8, 2025

An inmate at the Hamilton County was caught on video stabbing two fellow inmates with a shank, authorities said.

Lonta Montrell Burress Jr., 31, is charged with attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, and having contraband (weapon) in a penal institute.

In the incident on Monday, authorities said the Rollin 60 Crips gang member came up behind an inmate and began to stab him. The inmate tried to fight back, but he was repeatedly stabbed by Burress, it was stated.

Authorities said the inmate sustained life-threatening injuries.

Also, Burress used the same shank in trying to stab a second inmate, it was stated.

A second inmate, Georral Davis, was charged with having a shank also.

The Sheriff's Office gave this account, "On Monday, Corrections deputies responded to a stabbing at the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center in the George Unit at approximately 1:40 p.m.

"The initial corrections deputy at the scene promptly provided medical aid to the victim before advanced medical personnel arrived, playing a critical role in saving the inmate’s life.

"The preliminary investigation reveals Inmate Lonta Burress, a known gang member, utilized a shank to repeatedly stab another inmate and known gang member, Jamarie Jones. Additional medical personnel immediately responded to the unit to render aid and assist with injuries. Inmate Jones was transported to a local hospital for treatment where he remains in serious condition."

In 2013 when he was 19, Burress pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of Darius Townsend. The incident happened when Burress and the victim were both 17.

Burress was out on bond at the time, as he and another young man, Darius Gustus, had been charged months earlier in a school bus stop shooting. 

Breaking News
Updated City Tree Ordinance Allows "Notable Trees" To Come Off The List At Owner's Request
  • 4/1/2025

An amended version of the city's updated tree ordinance allows owners of "Notable Trees" to have them taken off the list by notifying the city forester. Chris Anderson of the mayor's office, ... more

Latest Hamilton County Arrest Report
  • 4/1/2025

Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) BELL,TERRY ... more

Tennessee Adds Saturday REAL ID Appointments Ahead Of Federal Implementation Date
  • 3/31/2025

With the federal REAL ID travel requirement taking effect on May 7, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security will open 19 Driver Services Centers across the state on Saturday ... more