Advocate to be appointed for Knoxville children as parents battle over late mother's estate

Sarah Shanks' parents allege her husband "murdered" her, but he has not been charged with a crime.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:36am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Knox County chancellor said he will appoint an advocate to represent the best interests of two children caught in the middle of a court fight between their father, Dr. Ryan Shanks, and their late mother's parents, Carol Braun and Mark Clawson, over Sarah Shanks' 2023 death and her estate. Braun and Clawson allege Ryan Shanks "murdered" his wife, but he has not been charged with a crime, and his attorneys say there is no forensic proof of murder. The autopsy was inconclusive about the cause and manner of Sarah Shanks' death.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal battles that can arise when there are disputes over a deceased person's estate, especially when there are allegations of foul play. The appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the children's interests is an important step to ensure their wellbeing is prioritized amidst the conflict between their father and grandparents.

The details

Chancellor John Weaver said he will appoint a guardian ad litem to advise on the children's behalf after a hearing on Tuesday. Braun and Clawson are seeking to have Ryan Shanks removed as the estate administrator, alleging under Tennessee law that someone who intentionally kills another person cannot profit from the death. They are also suing him over Sarah Shanks' death. Lawyers argued over whether a guardian ad litem should be appointed and whether Sarah Shanks' personal medical and mental health records should be accessed. Weaver said he thought it best for the children to have a representative to look out for their interests, which may not be the same as those of the other parties involved.

  • Sarah Shanks died in January 2023 at age 41.
  • Early on January 20, 2023, Ryan Shanks called 911 reporting his wife had fallen ill at their home.
  • Sarah Shanks went into cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead on January 29, 2023.

The players

Sarah Shanks

The late wife of Dr. Ryan Shanks, whose death in January 2023 at age 41 is at the center of the dispute between her husband and her parents.

Dr. Ryan Shanks

The emergency medicine physician and widower of Sarah Shanks, who has custody of their two children and is fighting with his late wife's parents over her estate and the cause of her death.

Carol Braun and Mark Clawson

The parents of the late Sarah Shanks, who allege that their son-in-law "murdered" their daughter and are seeking to have him removed as the administrator of her estate.

Chancellor John Weaver

The Knox County chancellor presiding over the dispute between Dr. Ryan Shanks and Sarah Shanks' parents.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal battles that can arise when there are disputes over a deceased person's estate, especially when there are allegations of foul play. The appointment of a guardian ad litem to represent the children's interests is an important step to ensure their wellbeing is prioritized amidst the conflict between their father and grandparents.