On June 23, 2014, James Hamm #00548656 was driving drunk and under the influence of narcotics when he struck and killed Michael K. Locke of Kingsport. James Hamm #00548656 continued driving and was found passed out behind the wheel five miles from the scene on a freeway on-ramp. Inmate Hamm #00548656 had previous DUI charges with one occurring only a few weeks before this incident, and he has never admitted guilt or shown any remorse for his actions. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison, but he is up for parole for the third time on August 5, 2021. James Hamm #00548656 has not served even 40% of his punishment, and his potential release would be a failure of our justice system. This unfortunate decision has caused irreparable harm and grief to his family, friends and community. Mike Locke's family has been working for years to support "Truth in Sentencing" laws in Tennessee to keep dangerous offenders, such as James Hamm #00548656, off the streets of our communities and state. By signing this petition, you are helping to ensure repeat-offender James Hamm #00548656 does not return to our community and repeat a heinous act of murder.