Parole for woman convicted of killing Nashville police officer continues under evaluation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - A parole hearing was held on Tuesday for a woman previously convicted of crashing into and killing a Metro Nashville police officer in 2022.

In September 2022, Jayona Brown was released from prison following her conviction of killing Officer John Anderson in 2019.

As a result of the hearing, much like a hearing held in early August 2024, the hearing officer recommended continuing the hearing for further evaluation as Brown was not present due to pending felony charges.

The hearing was held for aggravated assault and evading arrest (risk of death) charges.

“Following today’s parole hearing for Jayona Brown (#00621600) at Davidson County’s Metropolitan Development Center (19D), the hearing officer’s non-binding recommendation was to continue the hearing for further evaluation after the offender waived her hearing and was not present due to pending felony charges in Davidson County.

She was being heard today on aggravated assault and evading arrest (risk of death) charges. The hearing officer also recommended a review hearing for her in August 2025.

The seven-member Board will now independently review Ms. Brown’s parole case and cast their individual votes. The Board can either adopt, reject or modify the hearing officer’s non-binding recommendation. For this particular case, four concurring Board member votes are needed to reach a final decision.

The Board decides whether to grant or deny parole on a case-by-case basis by evaluating each inmate across a list of many different standards and criteria, including seriousness of the offense, time served, a risk/needs assessment, the offender’s institutional record, victim input, and the statements of the offender and other interested parties.

A final decision is anticipated in a couple of weeks, if not sooner.”

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