Juan Francisco

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Knoxville Police Department (TN)

Missing From:

Knoxville, Tennessee

Summary:

Juan Francisco is a fugitive wanted for the April 8, 2019 fatal hit-and-run death of 52-year-old Debbie Burgess in Knoxville, Tennessee. He struck Burgess with a 1998 Dodge pickup truck near Custom Foods of America on Pleasant Ridge Road around 3:45 a.m. and fled the scene. He remains at large on the TBI's Most Wanted List.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Offense:

On April 8, 2019, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Knoxville Police Department responded to a fatal hit-and-run on Pleasant Ridge Road in the 3600 block near Custom Foods of America. Juan Francisco, driving a 1998 Dodge pickup truck, struck pedestrian Debbie Burgess, killing her instantly. Francisco left the scene without providing assistance or identifying himself. Burgess died as a result of her injuries sustained in the collision.

Additional Details:

Francisco was identified as the suspect and warrants were issued for his arrest on charges of Vehicular Homicide and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Over a month after the incident, on May 9, 2019, Francisco was added to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's Top 10 Most Wanted List. The TBI launched a public awareness initiative called #FugitiveFriday to assist in locating him. As of 2024, more than five years later, Francisco remains at large. Victim Debbie Burgess's daughter, Brittany Burgess, has spoken publicly about the impact of her mother's death and joined law enforcement as a detective at North Carolina A&T State University's police department. She has called for public assistance in locating Francisco and expressed hope that his apprehension would prevent him from harming others. Please consider sharing this case so that Debbie’s family can get justice and answers.

Case Last Updated:

Oct 19, 2026