Mason Edwards

Mason Edwards is a criminal justice reporter with a focus on the courts at the Chattanooga Times Free Press, where he started as an intern in August 2024 before being hired full-time to cover breaking news in June 2025. Originally from Dayton, Tennessee, Mason is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he earned a degree in Communication with minors in Criminal Justice and Rhetoric & Professional Writing.

Contact courts reporter Mason Edwards at medwards@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6409.

Firefighters rescue Hamilton County DA trapped in elevator

by Mason Edwards ·August 25, 2026

Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp said she will be taking the stairs for a while after spending about 35 minutes trapped in an elevator Tuesday.

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp waves from an elevator stuck on the third floor of the County Courts building in Chattanooga on Aug. 25, 2026.

Former Chattanooga police officer found guilty of murdering his ex-girlfriend, sentenced to life in prison

by Mason Edwards ·August 21, 2026

A Hamilton County jury Friday convicted Lawrence Goodine of first-degree felony murder for the November 2023 death of Kara Akins. He was sentenced to life in prison.

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Lawrence Goodine, 46, enters the courtroom before closing arguments Aug. 21, 2026. He's standing trial on charges including first-degree murder in connection with the 2023 death of Kara Akins, 48.

East Tennessee man to appeal long federal sentence for ‘nihilistic violent extremist’

by Mason Edwards ·August 20, 2026

A 27-year-old East Tennessee man sentenced to 77 years in federal prison will appeal the judgment, according to a notice filed in his online docket Thursday.

Blount County Sheriff's Office / Kyle William Spitze is pictured in 2024.

Whitfield, Murray counties getting new Juvenile Court judge

by Mason Edwards ·August 19, 2026

Superior Court judges serving Whitfield and Murray counties in Northwest Georgia unanimously appointed the circuit's next Juvenile Court judge, officials announced.

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Former Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost’s sentencing delayed for second time

by Mason Edwards ·August 18, 2026

A federal judge delayed former Chattanooga accountant Jonathan Frost's sentencing for a second time Tuesday following a joint request from prosecutors and defense.

Staff file photo by Mason Edwards / The former Chattanooga accountant who pleaded guilty to an investment scheme, Jonathan Frost, leaves his hearing in federal court Feb. 11, 2026.

Trial opens for Chattanooga man accused of ex-girlfriend’s murder

by Mason Edwards ·August 17, 2026

The night before police found Kara Akins dead in her home, her neighbor's camera recorded Lawrence Goodine as he ran across a dark Chattanooga street and grabbed her, according to prosecutor Roger Layne.

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Lawrence Goodine, 46, prepares to leave the courtroom before an afternoon break Monday. He's standing trial on charges including first-degree murder in connection with the 2023 death of Kara Akins, 48.

Man sentenced for 4th DUI after police say he drove through Chattanooga church playground fence

by Mason Edwards ·August 17, 2026

Pedro Gonzalez was serving an 8-year suspended sentence for voluntary manslaughter

Staff file photo by Larry Sullivan II/ Pedro Gonzalez speaks during his sentencing in which he was granted supervised probation at the Hamilton County Criminal Courthouse on Feb. 20,2026. On Friday, he pleaded guilty to his fourth DUI.

Hamilton County defendant flips table after murder conviction, removed from courtroom

by Mason Edwards ·July 17, 2026

Jamal Adams flipped a defense table, yelled and had to be subdued by court officers after a Hamilton County jury convicted him of first-degree murder, witness coercion and reckless endangerment Friday.

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Defendant Jamal Adams reacts to a guilty verdict in Hamilton County court.

Arguments close for Chattanooga man accused of 2023 vehicle shooting

by Mason Edwards ·July 15, 2026

Arguments wrapped Thursday afternoon for the jury trial of a Chattanooga man accused of murder.

Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Jamal Lamere Adams, 34, is escorted into the courtroom July 15, 2026, for his third day standing trial on an accusation of murder.

Trial underway for Chattanooga man accused of 2023 vehicle shooting

by Mason Edwards ·July 14, 2026

Jurors were shown video of a shooting Tuesday during Day 2 testimony in the murder trial of Jamal Adams.