Benjamin Collins Jernigan was 28 when he was killed in the early morning hours of October 8, 2016, in North Knoxville. A Knoxville native and Bearden High School graduate, he served in the Navy as a Mass Communication Specialist aboard the U.S.S. Ronald Reagan, later earned an associate’s degree from Pellissippi State Community College, and was an avid musician who taught himself ukulele, guitar, and drums.

On October 8 his car broke down a few blocks from home at Fairfax Avenue and Forsythe Street. While attempting repairs he was confronted by an unknown assailant and shot at point-blank range. Investigators found signs of a robbery and have described the attack as possibly random. No weapon was recovered and DNA testing was inconclusive.

The Knoxville Police Department continues to list the case as open. If anyone witnessed the incident, saw suspicious activity near Fairfax Avenue and Forsythe Street that night, or has information that could help, please contact authorities. Which detail about Benjamin’s life or that night stands out to readers who might have information?