A Hixson man is expected to be informed Friday about his placement on a state abuse registry after he was sentenced to six years in prison over the death of his mentally disabled son, according to prosecutor Paul Moyle.
John Dennis Hoover, 73, on Monday received the maximum sentences of six years in prison for aggravated neglect of a vulnerable adult and four years for reckless homicide. The court determined the sentences will run at the same time, Moyle said by email.
His son, also named John Hoover, died June 29, 2022, after being left to feel unwanted, unloved and uncared for, according to the state’s sentencing memorandum.
“Defendant withheld medical treatment from his son, even though he took pets to the veterinarian,” the memorandum said. “Defendant confined his son with chains while others were allowed to come and go as they pleased. Thankfully, such cruelty has been seldom seen in the community.”
Hoover was indicted on a first-degree felony murder charge, and prosecutors intended to seek life without the possibility of parole, Moyle said by email.