Update: Violent home invasion victim's condition upgraded

The condition of a man involved in a violent home invasion is improving, according to UT Medical Center officials.

J.C. Yoakum of Claiborne County has been upgraded from critical to stable condition after being beaten and stabbed Thursday night.

Officers responded to a call on Tipprel Road around 8 p.m. to find Yoakum's door had been broken open.

Yoakum, 66, had been beaten about the head and stabbed with a knife several times.

Claiborne Sheriff David Ray said the investigation led to the arrest of Eddie Gent, age 40 and of Cumberland Gap. Gent is in the Claiborne County Jail, charged with aggravated robbery.

Investigators said the crime was especially heinous due to the relative size of the home invader and the victim.

Yoakum, 66, stands 5'3" and weighs 130 pounds. Gent, 40, stands 6'6" and weighs 230 pounds.

Yoakum was taken to Claiborne County Hospital and flown by Lifestar to UT Medical Center.

Gent's bond has been set at $100,000.