Shelby County DA, advocates say speak out against elder abuse
A 50-year-old Memphis caregiver is facing elder abuse charges.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — A 50-year-old Memphis caregiver is facing elder abuse charges.
It’s a problem that’s on the rise and one that wasn’t always reported, especially during the pandemic.
“They are on the rise because the awareness is on the rise,” said Amy Weirich the Shelby County District Attorney General.
The Investigators: Excessive force complaints lead to new police policy
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A former Memphis police officer is the first to be criminally charged in relation to excessive force in more than five years, according to a WMC Action News Five investigation.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A former Memphis police officer is the first to be criminally charged in relation to excessive force in more than five years, according to a WMC Action News Five investigation.
The felony charge preceded a new policy that is now in place, which requires all findings of excessive force be sent to the district attorney general’s office.
Man indicted on charges for death of girlfriend's 6-month-old son, DA's office says
A Memphis man has been formally charged in connection to the death of a 6-month-old boy in June of 2020, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
Memphis, Tenn. (FOX 13) — A Memphis man has been formally charged in connection to the death of a 6-month-old boy in June of 2020, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich said that 36-year-old Allen D. Smith Jr. was indicted on counts of first-degree murder in preparation of aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect.
Former Memphis Police officer formally indicted for murder, DA’s office says
A former Memphis Police officer has been formally indicted with first-degree murder, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
Memphis, Tenn. (FOX 13) — A former Memphis Police officer has been formally indicted with first-degree murder, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
In a press release, the DA’s office said that 29-year-old Patric Ferguson was indicted with one count of first-degree murder as well as especially aggravated kidnapping, tampering with evidence, abuse of a corpse, official misconduct and official oppression.
New Shelby prosecution unit targeting police brutality off to fast start
Off to a fast start, Amy Weirich’s new prosecution unit targeting police brutality already has filed criminal charges against two law enforcement officers.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Daily Memphian) — Off to a fast start, Amy Weirich’s new prosecution unit targeting police brutality already has filed criminal charges against two law enforcement officers.
Yet time will tell if the District Attorney’s Conduct Review Team and similar measures across the county can root out excessive force, says one expert who studies officer misconduct.
What is the cure for the gun-violence epidemic?
If these statistics came with audio and video, there would be repeated bang-bangs and blood – lots and lots of blood.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Daily Memphian) — If these statistics came with audio and video, there would be repeated bang-bangs and blood – lots and lots of blood.
When the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission released its gun violence stats for the first quarter of 2021, the news wasn’t good: 1,576 violent incidents involving guns from January to March – a 30.1% increase from the same period in 2020, which barely overlapped into the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
West Tennessee Drug Task Force team named 2020 Team of the Year
A group of law enforcement officers that work to keep drugs and criminals off the streets in West Tennessee received a huge honor this week.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A group of law enforcement officers that work to keep drugs and criminals off the streets in West Tennessee received a huge honor this week.
The West Tennessee Drug Task Force interdiction team has been named the 2020 Team of the Year.
Man indicted for murder after grandmother shot on Facebook Live, officials say
The man accused of killing a Memphis grandmother during a Facebook Live broadcast was indicted on first-degree murder charges Monday.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX 13) — The man accused of killing a Memphis grandmother during a Facebook Live broadcast was indicted on first-degree murder charges Monday.
Darrell Peterson allegedly shot at several people and killed an innocent bystander – a woman holding her grandson - last year in Frayser, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.
Shelby County District Attorney concerned about low bond amounts for violent offenders
There’s a push to eliminate cash bonds to keep people from getting stuck in jail just because they can’t afford to get out.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX 13)— There’s a push to eliminate cash bonds to keep people from getting stuck in jail just because they can’t afford to get out.
Shelby County’s top prosecutor told FOX13 some bonds are too low, letting violent offenders out to possibly commit other crimes.
Interview with DA Weirich on gun crimes
Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich talks about gun crimes in Memphis and what can be done to fight it.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WREG) — Shelby County District Attorney General Amy Weirich talks about gun crimes in Memphis and what can be done to fight it.
Local children killed by abuse and neglect memorialized at Memphis City Hall
Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s annual Children’s Memorial Flagraising will honor children in Shelby County who died due to abuse and neglect in the last year.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX 13) — Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s annual Children’s Memorial Flagraising will honor children in Shelby County who died due to abuse and neglect in the last year.
Community leaders will gather Monday at noon at Civic Center Plaza at Memphis City Hall.
Jury trials to resume soon in Shelby County in COVID-19 compliant courtrooms
After being on pause for more than a year, jury trials will soon resume in Shelby County. But there is a long backlog of court cases officials will have to address.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - After being on pause for more than a year, jury trials will soon resume in Shelby County. But there is a long backlog of court cases officials will have to address.
Shelby County hasn’t held a jury since March 2020 because of COVID-19.
Memphis' violent crime rate continues to rise, but concerned citizens aren't stopping the fight to end it
Hundreds of people walked through Frayser on Saturday to say "enough is enough" with the city's gun violence. Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives hosted the unity walk to spark change in communities most affected by the crime.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Local 24) — Hundreds of people walked through Frayser on Saturday to say "enough is enough" with the city's gun violence. Freedom From Unnecessary Negatives hosted the unity walk to spark change in communities most affected by the crime.
Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich knows the community can do better to stop the shootings.
Third Unity Walk Against Gun Violence set for Saturday
Leaders behind the Unity Walk Against Gun Violence are enthused by the strong community support during the first two events in Downtown Memphis and Whitehaven.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Daily Memphian) — Leaders behind the Unity Walk Against Gun Violence are enthused by the strong community support during the first two events in Downtown Memphis and Whitehaven.
About 500 people attended the first event Downtown in November, and even more showed up for the second walk in Whitehaven in February.
After 'challenging' stint as police director, Rallings is retired. Here are his parting thoughts.
After three decades in the Memphis Police Department, and five years as the head of MPD, Director Michael Rallings has retired. His last day was Wednesday.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Commercial Appeal) — After three decades in the Memphis Police Department, and five years as the head of MPD, Director Michael Rallings has retired. His last day was Wednesday.
Rallings answered questions from The Commercial Appeal about his years as the head of the department at a time when the U.S. saw everything from consistent anti-police brutality protests to a pandemic — and what his hopes are for the department going forward.
Community still dealing with unprecedented spike in homicides
Memphis recorded a homicide nearly every day last year.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Daily Memphian) — Memphis recorded a homicide nearly every day last year.
The city’s record-breaking 332 killings in 2020 represented a 49% increase compared to 2019.
The lasting impact is so widespread that it has propelled everyday Memphians into action, turning community activists into gang war peace brokers and parents into public safety crusaders.
Opinion: A primer on 911 – how to ‘help us help you’
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Daily Memphian) — April is 911 Education Month.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Daily Memphian) — April is 911 Education Month.
What comes to mind when you think of 911 education? Do you picture a classroom of elementary-aged children being informed to dial 911 for emergencies? We also teach them their address and make sure they can recite it.
In the past year I have taken over 1,900 calls to 911, and I’m convinced that a refresher course is in order for children and adults alike. You never know when you may need to call for help for yourself or someone else, but I don’t think anyone pre-plans and places “dial 911” on their to-do list.
Here are some tips to help you become an effective 911 caller.
What Memphis law enforcement thinks of Tennessee Constitutional carry gun law
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Commercial Appeal) — Despite significant pushback from Memphis law enforcement and other agencies across Tennessee, permitless carry, or Constitutional carry, was signed into state law Thursday. This means if you have no existing convictions that would bar you from owning a gun, and you are 21 or older, you will be able to carry a firearm openly or concealed — no training or permit required.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Commercial Appeal) — Despite significant pushback from Memphis law enforcement and other agencies across Tennessee, permitless carry, or Constitutional carry, was signed into state law Thursday. This means if you have no existing convictions that would bar you from owning a gun, and you are 21 or older, you will be able to carry a firearm openly or concealed — no training or permit required.
Man indicted in death of girlfriend’s toddler daughter who was left in his care
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX 13) — A Whitehaven man has been indicted in the death of a toddler.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (FOX 13) — A Whitehaven man has been indicted in the death of a toddler.
Memphis man indicted in arson, homicide case
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A North Memphis man has been indicted for allegedly setting his neighbor’s car on fire, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A North Memphis man has been indicted for allegedly setting his neighbor’s car on fire, said Shelby County Dist. Atty. Gen. Amy Weirich.