Knoxville Teen Indicted for First-Degree Murder of 13-Year-Old Girl

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A 16-year-old Knoxville resident, Malakiah Harris, has been indicted by a grand jury on first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges for the 2024 killing of 13-year-old Savannah Copeland. Harris was 15 at the time of the attack, which occurred late at night off a popular trail near the Broadacres subdivision in Powell, Tennessee. Savannah had allegedly met up with Harris and his younger brother so she could vape, but the reasons behind the killing remain unclear. Harris was recently transferred from juvenile court to adult status to face prosecution in Knox County Criminal Court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding juvenile crime and the challenges of prosecuting minors as adults, especially in violent offenses. It also raises questions about community safety, the role of mental health, and how to prevent such tragedies from occurring.

The details

According to authorities, Harris attacked and stabbed Savannah Copeland more than 90 times in October 2024. Savannah had slipped out of her house to meet Harris and his younger brother, allegedly to vape. Harris was 15 years old at the time of the incident, which took place late at night off a popular trail near the Broadacres subdivision in Powell, Tennessee. A Knox County grand jury has now indicted Harris, who is now 16, on first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges. He is currently in custody, having been moved earlier this year from juvenile court to adult status to face prosecution in Knox County Criminal Court.

• In October 2024, Harris allegedly attacked and killed Savannah Copeland.
• In April 2026, a Knox County grand jury indicted Harris, now 16, on first-degree murder and evidence tampering charges.

What’s next

A judge will determine whether to alter the terms of Harris' $4 million bond, which was previously denied.