In the early morning of December 6, 2021, officers and emergency medical personnel answered a call about an unresponsive man in an alley off Juanita Cannon Street in Knoxville. They found 27-year-old Joseph Hines, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The Knoxville Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit determined Hines had sustained at least one gunshot wound and opened a homicide investigation.

Police identified Hines and appealed to the public for information; East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers offered a cash reward and promised anonymity for tips. No arrests were announced and investigators continued to seek leads. Family members remember Little Joseph as a son, brother, nephew, and cousin who could light up a room.

Anyone who knew Joseph, saw activity near Juanita Cannon Street that morning, or has information that could help investigators is asked to come forward.