Colleen Slemmer Obituary, Death – Knoxville Job Corps Student Remembered Decades After 1995 Murder

Colleen Anne Slemmer is being remembered more than three decades after her death in Knoxville, Tennessee, as renewed attention brings her life and the 1995 case surrounding her death back into public focus.

Slemmer was 19 years old when her life was tragically cut short on January 12, 1995. She had been studying at the Knoxville Job Corps Center at the time.

Remembering Colleen Slemmer

Slemmer was born on September 20, 1975, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She later lived in Orange Park, Florida, before enrolling at the Job Corps Center in Knoxville.

Those who knew Colleen remembered interests and qualities that extended well beyond the circumstances of her death. She had a strong interest in computers and enjoyed taking them apart and putting them back together.

Her grandfather encouraged her to attend the Knoxville Job Corps program because of its computer courses, giving her an opportunity to pursue an interest that had become an important part of her life.

Colleen was also remembered for her involvement in her community. Reports have described her as someone who volunteered with Special Olympics activities and helped children with disabilities at school.

Colleen Slemmer Case

Slemmer’s death became known as the Job Corps murder. Tennessee court records establish that she was attacked by fellow Job Corps students in Knoxville.

Christa Pike was later convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and sentenced to death. Tadaryl Shipp was also convicted in connection with the case, while Shadolla Peterson pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact and received a sentence.

The case has remained in public attention for decades.

Remembering Her Life

Renewed coverage in 2026 has brought additional attention to Slemmer’s story, including retrospectives connected to Pike’s scheduled September 30 execution.

For Slemmer’s family, the years since her death have included efforts to preserve her memory and remember the young woman whose life ended at just 19.

Her mother, May Martinez, has spoken publicly about Colleen and the lasting impact of losing her daughter.

More than 30 years later, Colleen Slemmer is remembered not only because of the circumstances surrounding her death, but also for her interests, community involvement, relationships and aspirations as a young woman.

Her memory continues through the people who knew and loved her and through efforts to ensure that her life is remembered alongside the tragedy that ended it.