Raynella Leath, Nurse and Focus of Criminal Investigations, Dies at 77

Leath had been the subject of scrutiny over the deaths of her two husbands in Knox County, Tennessee.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:40pm

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An extreme close-up of a single brass bullet casing, the harsh flash illuminating its textured surface against a stark black background, conceptually representing the forensic evidence at the center of the Leath investigations.The unsolved deaths of Raynella Leath's two husbands sparked years of criminal investigations and legal battles.Knoxville Today

Raynella Dossett Leath, a nurse whose life and widowhood over two marriages became the subject of law enforcement scrutiny and true crime coverage, has died at age 77. Leath had been in declining health and was found dead over Easter weekend at her home in northwest Knox County, Tennessee. No foul play is suspected in her death.

Why it matters

Leath's life was marked by tragedy and controversy, with investigations into the unusual deaths of her two husbands - Knox County District Attorney General Ed Dossett in 1992 and her second husband David Leath in 2003. She was tried and convicted for the murder of David Leath, but the conviction was later overturned due to issues with the judge presiding over the case.

The details

In 1992, Ed Dossett, Knox County's Republican District Attorney, was found dead on Leath's Solway farm, with authorities ruling it an accidental death by cattle trampling. However, the circumstances were unusual, and the case remained a source of speculation. In 2003, Leath's second husband David Leath was found shot to death in their home, with Leath claiming it was a suicide. Authorities investigated and charged Leath with murder, leading to a conviction in 2010 that was later overturned due to issues with the judge. Leath was tried again in 2017, but the judge ultimately granted a motion of acquittal, citing insufficient evidence.

  • In July 1992, Ed Dossett was found dead on Leath's Solway farm.
  • In March 2003, David Leath was found shot to death in the couple's home.
  • In 2010, Leath was convicted of the murder of David Leath.
  • In 2016, Leath was released from prison after her conviction was overturned.
  • In May 2017, Leath's final trial for the murder of David Leath ended in acquittal.

The players

Raynella Dossett Leath

A nurse whose life and widowhood over two marriages became the subject of law enforcement scrutiny and true crime coverage.

Ed Dossett

The Knox County Republican District Attorney whose 1992 death on Leath's farm was ruled an accidental cattle trampling, though the circumstances were unusual.

David Leath

Leath's second husband, who was found shot to death in their home in 2003, leading to Leath's murder conviction and later acquittal.

James A.H. Bell

The veteran Knoxville attorney who represented Leath at her first trials in the death of her second husband.

Josh Hedrick

The Knoxville defense attorney who represented Leath at her final trial in 2017, which ended in her acquittal.

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What they’re saying

“We are saddened to learn of Raynella's death and we pray for peace and comfort to the wonderful family she leaves behind. Raynella was a great family woman, a loving person. And the allegations of harm were not true. We are grateful she passed without the blemish of guilt hanging over her. As I told the jurors, she did not, would not, and could not do the terrible thing she was falsely accused of.”

— James A.H. Bell, Veteran Knoxville attorney

“It had been an honor knowing her and our prayers are with her family.”

— Josh Hedrick, Knoxville defense attorney

The takeaway

Leath's life was marked by tragedy and controversy, with investigations into the unusual deaths of her two husbands that ultimately failed to conclusively prove her guilt. Her story highlights the complexities of criminal investigations and the lasting impact they can have on individuals and families.