When you hear the name Savannah Copeland Knoxville TN, you aren't just hearing about a person. You are hearing about a legacy that has fundamentally reshaped Tennessee law and the way the Powell community looks at safety and child advocacy.
Honestly, the story is heavy. It's one of those tragedies that makes a whole town stop in its tracks. Savannah was only 13 years old when she was killed on October 22, 2024. She was a cheerleader at Powell Middle School—a "go-getter" with a bright smile and a massive future ahead of her. She loved gymnastics, karate, and surprisingly, scary movies. She even wanted to study forensic anthropology at the University of Tennessee.
Life has a cruel way of twisting things.
The Night Everything Changed in Powell
It was a Tuesday. Savannah went missing from her home overnight. Her father, Michael Copeland, grew worried when he realized she wasn't there and wasn't answering her phone. Like many parents today, he used a tracking app to find her.
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He didn't find her alive.
Instead, he found her body on a dirt walking trail near Broadacres in the Powell community. She had been stabbed multiple times. Investigators eventually arrested 15-year-old Malakiah Lamar Harris. Court records suggest the two met around midnight, and things turned fatal. He was later charged with second-degree murder, and prosecutors pushed to try him as an adult.
Why Savannah Copeland Still Matters
You might wonder why people are still talking about this in 2026. It’s because the Copeland family refused to let Savannah’s name be just another statistic in a crime report. They turned their grief into a legislative force of nature.
The Savannah Grace Copeland Act is now a reality.
Governor Bill Lee signed the bill into law, and it officially went into effect on July 1, 2025. It’s not just some symbolic gesture, either. This law is about money and resources. Basically, it pumps over $4 million annually into child advocacy centers across Tennessee.
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- 75% Funding Increase: Every time the Department of Child Services gets a budget boost, child advocacy centers get a 75% increase too.
- Base Salary Hikes: The law mandated that forensic child interviewers—the people who talk to kids after trauma—get a base salary of at least $85,000.
- Expansion of Services: The goal is to provide more youth mental health services and help parents navigate "adverse childhood experiences" (ACEs).
From a Crime Scene to a Community Space
Michael Copeland did something most of us couldn't imagine. He went back to the trail where he found his daughter. He didn't go back to mourn in secret. He went back to build.
He and some friends laid down gravel and flagstone to turn that specific spot into a patio-like community space. He mentioned that Savannah was a bit of an introvert, just like him. She liked to sit and be in her own world. Now, that space belongs to everyone in Powell who needs a moment of quiet.
It’s about reclaiming the narrative.
What the Community is Doing Now
In October 2025, the community held the first "Community Day of Grace" at Powell Church. It wasn't a funeral. It was a bonfire with hot dogs and games. Over 100 people showed up because, in East Tennessee, people show out when things get rough.
The Savannah Grace Foundation is the next big step. Led by Savannah's former cheer coach, Terri Shelander, the foundation is focused on fundraising to expand the reach of the new law. They want to make sure the kids who were affected by this tragedy—her classmates and friends—don't just carry around sadness. They want to give them tools to deal with grief.
The legal case against Harris has been a long road, with hearings throughout 2025 and 2026 regarding his status as an adult in the court system. But for the people of Knoxville and Powell, the focus has shifted from the courtroom to the classroom and the legislature.
Actionable Steps for the Community
If you want to support the work being done in Savannah’s name, there are real things you can do. It isn't just about reading the news.
Support Local Child Advocacy Centers
These centers are the front line for kids who have experienced abuse or neglect. With the new funding from the Savannah Grace Copeland Act, these centers are hiring and expanding. Look for your local center in the Knoxville area to see if they need volunteers or specific donations.
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Learn About ACEs
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are at the heart of what the Copeland family wants to address. By understanding how childhood trauma affects brain development and future behavior, we can better spot the warning signs in the kids around us.
Visit the Community Space
If you are in the Powell area, the space near the Broadacres trail is meant for reflection. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, a community can choose to build something beautiful.
Follow the Savannah Grace Foundation
Stay updated on their fundraising events and the "Community Day of Grace." It’s a tangible way to keep the momentum going for mental health services in East Tennessee schools.
Savannah’s story didn't end on that trail. It just changed shape. Through the law, the foundation, and the physical space her father built, she is still very much a part of Knoxville.