Washington County inmate charged with attempted first-degree murder

Published 8:54 am Monday, October 24, 2022

According to Sheriff Keith Sexton, Billy Joe Anderson, 34 and an inmate in the Washington County Detention Center, was charged with Attempted First Degree Murder resulting from an altercation between two inmates Saturday night.

The Criminal Investigations Division responded to the Detention Center Saturday night after an altercation between two inmates. After a brief investigation, it was determined that Anderson attacked another inmate causing serious injuries. Investigators found through statements that Anderson hid in a confined space and then assaulted the other inmate with contraband that had been altered as a weapon. The victim was transported to the Johnson City Medical Center, where he was treated for his injuries and was said to be in stable condition.

Investigators charged Anderson and his bond for this charge is $100,000. Anderson was already being held at the Detention Center without bond on multiple felony charges, including Second Degree Murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on the new charge on Oct. 24. The Criminal Investigations Division is continuing to investigate this incident.