Authorities were alerted to an assault case involving siblings, with a juvenile as the victim. What began as a verbal disagreement escalated into violence, leaving the victim with injuries. Attempts to question the suspect were unsuccessful, leading to an arrest and the issuance of a protective order.
On December 23, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an assault involving siblings, with the victim being a juvenile. The incident unfolded when the victim and Justin Karns, 30, of Knoxville, engaged in a verbal argument regarding the victim’s decisions.
During the altercation, the victim reported that Karns grabbed her and threw her into the bathroom cabinets. In an email sent to a friend, the victim mentioned having marks on her legs. Upon inspection, deputies observed scratches and redness on the victim’s right hip, as well as additional redness on the right side of her midsection.
Efforts to contact Karns at his residence were unsuccessful, as he could not be located. When authorities attempted to question him by phone, he expressed his anger using profanity and subsequently hung up on the sheriff.
A warrant was issued for Karns on December 30, and he was transported to the Marion County Jail, where he was later released. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 9. Additionally, a no-contact order was issued between Karns and the victim on December 31. Karns has been charged with assault causing bodily injury or mental illness, classified as a serious misdemeanor.
