Jennings Jones, District Attorney

03/21/2023

Williamson County District Attorney General Kim Helper Passes Away

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (March 21, 2023) – The Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference is deeply saddened to announce that our friend and colleague, District Attorney General Kim Helper, passed away late Monday night following a brief illness.

Gen. Helper served as the District Attorney General for the 21st Judicial District since 2008. Originally from upstate New York, Gen. Helper began her career in public service in Tennessee in 1998. Prior to her service as District Attorney, she served in the attorney general’s office and as an assistant district attorney. A dedicated public servant, General Helper was an active member of numerous community organizations and served on the finance and audit, legislative, and family justice committees for the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference. General Helper served as the TNDAGC representative to the Tennessee Bar Association Board of Governors, as well as on the Trial Court Vacancy Commission and the Governor’s Council for Judicial Appointments. She served as President of the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference from 2015 to 2016.

“General Helper’s service and devotion to justice and the people of Tennessee was unmatched. She dedicated her life to this work and for that we owe her our deepest gratitude,” said TNDAGC Executive Director Guy Jones. “Deepest sympathy to her family and staff. She will be terribly missed.”

Gen. Helper is survived by her husband, Gerry Helper, and two daughters. Service arrangements are still pending.

11/21/2021

The Office of the District Attorney works closely with all branches of law enforcement, the Department of Children's Services, the Children's Advocacy Center, Our Kids and the Guidance Center to investigate and prosecute anyone who would abuse a child. Join us in our 19 Days of Activism for the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Youth!

10/18/2021

Great work by several different agencies!

MURFREESBORO – A two-day undercover operation by Special Agents with the TBI Human Trafficking Unit, Murfreesboro Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Office of the 16th District At…

07/02/2021

I don't believe in the constitution because I'm American. I'm American because I believe in the constitution. - J.S.B. Morse

Be safe, Have a great Fourth of July and celebrate the birth of our Nation!

05/28/2021

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." -Harry Truman

Do not forget the men and women who have given their lives so that we can remain free.

Our office will be closed on Monday, May 31st in observance of Memorial Day.

05/21/2021

2021 Legislative Session Wrap-Up

This session, your District Attorneys advocated for our communities by introducing several pieces of legislation designed to make Tennessee both safer and stronger. We are thankful for the opportunity to partner with the legislature and look forward to finding more ways to provide for victims, make our communities safer, and improve Tennessee's criminal justice system.

05/06/2021

On May 3rd, 2018, at 4:45 in the morning, Antonio Starnes gunned down Byrus Hughes in the middle of University Street in Murfreesboro. Antonio Starnes can be seen on video approaching the victim before shooting him once at point blank range followed by four shots in the back as Mr. Hughes fell to the ground. Antonio Starnes fled the scene in the company of several people who would later testify against him at trial. Antonio Starnes admitted that he was propositioned to kill Byrus Hughes, and it is believed that this was his motive for the murder.

On Monday, April 26th, Assistant District Attorneys Matt Westmoreland and Eric Farmer began the jury trial of Antonio Starnes and on Friday, April 30th, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty on the charge of First Degree Murder. Matt and Eric, along with Detective James Abbott and other members of the Murfreesboro Police Department did an exceptional job of seeing this case through, from the moment the murder was committed until the final conviction. I am proud to work with the members of our local law enforcement agencies and with the talented attorneys at the District Attorney's Office!

04/27/2021

Last week, the nation honored victims. But in the 16th Judicial District, this is something we strive to do all year long. While our fight is normally in the court room, this year we partnered with other District Attorneys throughout the State to take this message to the legislature. This year, we’re specifically advocating for:

o Safe spaces for victims in every courthouse
o Prioritizing the payment of restitution to victims
o Stronger protections for Tennessee’s seniors

We’re confident that with these reforms, we can make Tennessee both safer and stronger!

01/10/2021

This day is set aside as a day to say Thank You to all members of law enforcement that protect and serve. Thank you for what you do!

12/16/2020

Thanks to the hard work of the TBI, Rutherford County Sheriff's Department, and the Smyrna, La Vergne and Murfreesboro Police Departments, Giovanni Luevano has been arrested for the distribution of Fentanyl and is now being held in the Rutherford County jail on a $125,000 bond.