‘This was a heinous crime’ | Knoxville police give update in murder investigation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) - Four people have been charged in connection to a Knoxville woman’s death, according to the Knoxville Police Department. The development comes after KPD said 22-year-old Danishka Sibaja Mejia was found dead inside her home on Gilbert Lane in South Knoxville on April 5.

During the latest update, KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland said, “The actions that led to and preceded her death were heinous,” after naming Latawyne Osborne, 39, his mother, Angela Greenburg, 59, Marquis Ellis, 20, and Edward Wilson, 31, as suspects in the case.

The announcement marks the latest in a series of updates from KPD on the case. Erland told WVLT News that Mejia had reported that she was a victim of sexual assault at a West Knoxville home on April 4, naming Osborne as the assaulter. Erland said the rape allegedly occurred sometime between April 1 and 2. Osborne was later charged with her rape.

Previous Coverage: Three injured, one dead in Knoxville murder, police say

“From the moment we arrived on scene it was obvious that this was a heinous crime,” KPD Chief Paul Noel said. “We will continue to support her and her family to the best of our ability for the difficult days, months, and years ahead.”

According to Erland, Wilson was taken into custody on Monday for a warrant out of Blount County and Ellis was taken into custody Tuesday for violating probation. Osborne has been in custody since Friday when he reportedly arrived at the University of Tennessee Medical Center with a gunshot wound. Greenburg was taken into custody Wednesday afternoon but is now out on bond.

When it comes to Mejia herself, we still don’t know how she died. Erland said there would be an autopsy in the coming days, which would shine more light on the matter. He added that detectives do not believe she died of gunshot wounds.

WVLT News obtained an affidavit outlining a 49-count indictment. The charges the suspects are facing are listed below:

• Osborne: Felony murder, first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated rape, delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a weapon, arson
• Wilson: Felony murder, first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated rape, delivery of a controlled substance, arson
• Ellis: Felony murder, first-degree murder, aggravated burglary, employing a firearm during a dangerous felony, attempted first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated rape, delivery of a controlled substance, arson.
• Greenburg: Tampering with evidence, accessory after the fact

Additionally, two other people were found in the home Friday, shot but alive, according to KPD. In the affidavit, the two other victims were identified as Katia Young and D’andre Thaxton. According to the indictment, Osborne, Wilson, and Ellis are charged with a premeditated attempt to kill Young’s unborn baby.

Osborne, Wilson, and Ellis also face arson of Mejia’s home on April 5, according to the affidavit.

10 of the charges listed in the indictment are gang-related. The affidavit identifies Osborne and Wilson as members of Gangster Disciples. If found guilty, the two could face enhanced punishment.