MEMPHIS, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Bill Gibbons announced Thursday that a Memphis man had been convicted for shooting and killing his former girlfriend in 2005 outside her Whitehaven home shortly after she and her children returned from church.
The jury found Joseph Pollard, 48, guilty of first degree murder, criminal attempt voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated assault. Pollard will be sentenced to life in prison for the murder charge on August 28, at which time a judge is also scheduled to sentence him for the additional charges.
On September 21, 2005 as Katrina Hayes and her two children, ages 15 and 13, were returning home from church Bible study, Pollard drove past the victim’s house. As Hayes and her children exited their vehicle and were headed into their home on Linwood Road, Pollard suddenly appeared and, according to one witness, yelled “I told you I was going to get you.” Pollard then fired two shots at Hayes and fired a shot at one of the children as he fled the scene. Hayes died a few hours later from the gunshot wound. The victim had ended her relationship with the defendant about a week prior to the murder.
The charge of first degree murder is covered under the D.A.’s “No Deals” policy on violent crimes. Exceptions are made to the policy for legal and ethical reasons.
Assistant District Attorneys Glen Baity and Alexia Fulgham prosecuted this case.
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