Haslam Increases Reward in Unsolved Sevier County Murder

Governor hopes to encourage new information in 3-year old case

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam today announced that the state is increasing a $10,000 reward to $25,000 for information leading to the apprehension, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the death of Dawn Shannon Hercutt.

“I am hopeful that this new reward encourages someone with information about this case to come forward,” Haslam said.  “It is past time for the person or people responsible for this terrible crime to be brought to justice.”
On August 3, 2009, Hercutt’s body was found in her car at the bottom of a 150-foot embankment in Pigeon Forge.  Her death initially appeared to result from a car accident, but autopsy results later revealed that she was murdered.  

Along with the additional $15,000 in reward money, the governor announced that the state will match any new reward offered by a third party in this case up to a maximum of $5,000.  

The initial $10,000 reward was approved by Gov. Phil Bredesen in December 2009.  

James Dunn, District Attorney General for the 4th Judicial District, requests that anyone with information about this case call the Sevier County Sheriff’s Office tips line at 865-453-0312 or the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.