CHATTANOOGA, TN (WDEF) – The man accused of traveling from Mississippi to Chattanooga in hopes of having sex with a 10-month-old child has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. If he lives long enough to get out, 50-year-old Dennis Gaal will be on supervised release for the rest of his life. He pleaded guilty…… MORE
Category Archives: Local News
Weather Update: Saturday – February 22, 2025
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: low/mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Saturday: Sunny, slightly warmer. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Sunday: Sunshine, dry, mild. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: L&V. Overnight: A few clouds. Cold. Lows: low/mid 20’s.…… MORE
Liner could face death penalty if convicted of Cleveland realtor and ex-wife’s murder
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF)- Back on January 27th, Karen Liner, a beloved Cleveland realtor was murdered at her Arthur Lane home. Her ex-husband, Craig Liner, is charged with first degree murder in her killing. It was early on that January morning as Ring surveillance video showed a vehicle pulling into Karen Liner’s driveway. What was shown…… MORE
Sale Creek man taken into custody after 8 hour SWAT standoff
SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Sale Creek man has been taken into custody after a lengthy SWAT standoff. The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), along with other law enforcement agencies were serving a high risk warrant this morning at the 15000 block of Highway 27. At some point after authorities arrived on scene, the…… MORE
Weather Update: Friday – February 21, 2025
WDEF-TV News 12 Tennessee River Valley weather forecast Friday: Mostly sunny. Slightly less cold. Highs: near 40. Winds: NE @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: low/mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Saturday: Sunny, slightly warmer. Highs: low 50’s. Winds: SW @ 5 MPH. Overnight: Mostly clear. Cold. Lows: mid 20’s. Winds: L&V. Sunday: Sunshine, dry,…… MORE
Cleveland pastor pleads guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor
CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Cleveland pastor has plead guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor after investigators uncovered child sexual abuse material on his laptop. In the summer of 2023, the Cleveland Police Department (CLPD) received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip was in regards to…… MORE
Collegedale father indicted, mother charged after infant daughter’s death
COLLEGEDALE, Tenn. (WDEF) — A Collegedale father has been indicted after the tragic death of his infant daughter last summer. On August 12, 2024, officers with the Collegedale Police Department (CDPD) were working an active school zone when they encountered Timothy Paul Blackdeer, and his unresponsive daughter, Violet Blackdeer. According to CDPD, despite all efforts…… MORE
Juvenile arrested for making threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School
MGN SODDY DAISY, Tenn. (WDEF) — A juvenile was arrested after makes threats against Soddy Daisy Middle School (SDMS). On Thursday, February 20, 2025, at 12:50 p.m. the School Resource Officer at SDMS was made aware of a TikTok video referencing school violence. According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), the threat depicted was…… MORE
Girl Scout Cookie season is here!
Dr. Sabrina Sammons with the Girl Scouts of Southern Appalachians joins News 12 This Morning to talk about girl scout cookie season and to judge the annual cookie eating contest. CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – It’s that time of year again where green sashes are near every grocery store, Girl Scout cookie season. The Girl Scout…… MORE
ConNooga takes over the Chattanooga Convention Center
Alexis Hughes and Wren Rhoader join News 12’s Amelia Greer to talk about the exciting events and fandom-welcoming environment coming to the Chattanooga Convention Center for ConNooga this weekend! CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Release your inner geek with entertainment, guest stars, and cosplay contests at ConNooga this weekend! This year, just about anything and everything…… MORE
