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Article by Olivia Lupia, Tennessee Conservative News –
After being delayed last month, the trial for a man accused of killing a doctor while she was running on a Nashville area greenway in 2024 has been reset for April of 2027.
In October of 2024, 34-year-old Dr. Alyssa Lokits was allegedly shot and killed by 29-year-old Paul Park while she was running on Mill Creek Greenway in Antioch.
At the time of Park’s arrest, sources said the District Attorney would not be seeking the death penalty for the crime, and it appears that decision stands as prosecutors have stated they will be seeking life in prison without parole.
Park’s charges include first-degree murder, felony murder, two counts of attempted aggravated rape, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The trial was originally scheduled to begin on August 10, but just days before Park’s defense requested additional time for discovery and to obtain expert assistance, which was granted by a judge.
Upon news of the delay, Lokits’ family issued a statement expressing their disappointment and frustration with the slow-moving process.
“We are incredibly disappointed by the news of the delayed trial for the murder of our sister and friend, Dr. Alyssa Dawn Lokits, within a week of its scheduled start date. It has been nearly two years of agonizing grief, through which we have steadily dedicated ourselves to carrying her legacy through the nonprofit created in her honor, Free to Move. While no amount of justice being served will ever make up for the loss of Alyssa, a sentence could provide a semblance of comfort for those left in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy. It is appalling and shameful for the defense to force the loved ones of an innocent victim to linger, painfully awaiting justice. Postponing the trial only prolongs the trauma, not just for us, but for the greater Nashville community and the millions of people who have heard Alyssa’s story,” her loved ones wrote.
Yesterday at a status hearing, the Nashville judge opted to move the trial to April 26, 2027, meaning the trial will have been delayed by eight more months.
Aside from the Free to Move nonprofit, which focuses on research, education, and community to help equip women with skills like self-defense and preventative measures, Lokits’ tragedy also sparked calls for more safety measures on Nashville greenways, culminating in a bill introduced during the 2026 legislative session.
Known as the Alyssa Lokits Safety Act, SB1247/HB1289 would have enhanced safety at parks by requiring certain state agencies to develop a comprehensive safety strategy and address issues like park design, lighting, maintenance, surveillance, and signage.
While the bill ultimately stalled in the Finance, Ways, and Means Committees in both chambers over cost concerns, supporters say they plan to continue fighting for similar legislation in the future and encourage community members to advocate for park safety measures.
Sources:
TennesseeConservativeNews.com.
WSMV.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
