Judge sentences Curtis Day to 22 years in death of Jordan Knight

A Cheatham County judge on Monday sentenced Curtis Dale Day to 22 years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections after a jury convicted him of second-degree murder in the October 2020 death of Jordan Knight. Day, a range I offender under state sentencing law, will serve the sentence without early-release credits tied to the statute under which he was convicted, the court said.

The judge said the sentence — higher than the 15-year minimum for a range I offender but below the statutory maximum — balanced enhancement factors the state urged and mitigating evidence raised by the defense. "I hereby sentence him to 22 years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections," the judge said during the sentencing hearing.

The victim’s mother, Penny Allen Williamson, gave a victim impact statement, describing Jordan Knight as “a loving father, brother, and son,” and saying her family received a “life sentence of sadness” after his death. Williamson told the court she forgave Day but asked the judge to consider the loss suffered by her family and others who loved Knight.

Probation and courts staff presented a presentence report prepared by Wendy…