Blog: KPD News & Alerts

Update on Investigation into the Disappearance of Desheena Kyle

Over three months since Desheena Kyle was last seen, her whereabouts remain unknown and the Knoxville Police Department is continuing to actively investigate the circumstances of her disappearance.

Kyle, 26 of Knoxville, Tennessee, was reported missing from her apartment at 1307 Wilson Road on June 28, 2021 by her grandmother, who last spoke to Desheena on June 14. The last verified sighting of Desheena was on June 18, when she was seen at her apartment. Since then, Desheena has not been seen or contacted her family or friends.

Based on the lack of sightings, prolonged period without contact with family or friends, and the cumulative evidence, the case is currently being treated and investigated as a possible homicide.

John Bassett, who was in a relationship with Desheena, is considered a person of interest in the case. Bassett, 29 of Knoxville, Tennessee, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for violation of probation at his residence on Ohio Avenue on July 7 and remains in custody. Additional weapon and drug charges were placed on Bassett following that arrest. However, he has not been charged in relation to the Desheena Kyle case.

KPD investigators have spent hundreds of hours searching various locations, interviewing possible witnesses or individuals with pertinent information and following up on numerous leads. Multiple KPD units are actively involved in the investigation, including the Special Crimes Unit, Violent Crimes Unit, Organized Crime Unit, and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC). Additionally, the KPD has utilized its state and federal law enforcement partners to assist in the investigation.

“The KPD has never tired on this case and will continue to work vigorously to find Desheena,” Chief of Police Eve Thomas said. “We have developed significant leads and made substantial progress on this case. We have also received numerous tips on the case, and we know that there are people still out there who have answers. We ask anyone who has information that could assist investigators to please come forward.”

“I cannot fathom the intense emotions and grief that Desheena’s family has experienced over the past three months," Thomas added. "We are in complete support of the family’s efforts to find Desheena and involve the community in those efforts to bring Desheena home.”

Anyone with information regarding Desheena’s whereabouts or the circumstances of her disappearance is urged to contact East Tennessee Valley Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477, online at www.easttnvalleycrimestoppers.org or via the free mobile app P3 Tips. Tipsters will remain anonymous and be eligible to receive a cash reward.

The investigation continues.

Posted by serland On 23 September, 2021 at 3:50 PM