Message from the DA: June 13

Last week was a powerful reminder of the important and tireless work our prosecutors do every pursuing justice and public safety.

 In just one week, we prosecuted five separate trials in Shelby County Criminal Court, with charges ranging from second-degree murder to theft of property. Each case reflects the dedication, preparation, and commitment of our legal teams.

Notably, a jury found Gena Kilgore—a home healthcare provider accused of defrauding TennCare—guilty of theft of property for forging timesheets and stealing between $60,000 and $250,000. Prosecutors Dan Buchanan and Daniel Woodford led this trial.

In Criminal Court Division 2, Prosecutors Kindle Nance and Shannon Mason secured a DUI conviction against Cindy Smith, reinforcing the serious consequences of impaired driving.

In a significant second-degree murder case, a jury found Randy Johnson guilty of killing Jazmin Jones in 2023, as well as tampering with evidence. Prosecutors Monica Timmerman and Regina Lucreziano called 17 witnesses, including one of the victim’s family members, to present a compelling case for justice.

Our Special Victims Unit also saw a verdict last week—Juan Sandoval was found guilty of criminal attempt rape and sexual battery, thanks to the focused efforts of our SVU team, including prosecutors, Karin Morris and Venecia Patterson.

And in between these trials were dozens of other critical proceedings—bond hearings, arraignments, and motions—each one getting us one step closer to justice for victims and accountability for defendants. It’s a nonstop grind that often goes unseen, but never unfelt.

These outcomes are not just case wins—they are reflections of our mission in action. With more than 120 prosecutors handling hundreds of cases at any given time, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office remains deeply committed to enhancing public safety, ensuring accountability, and advocating for victims. 

To the public we serve: know that behind every court docket is a team of prosecutors, victim advocates, investigators, and support staff working hard to make our community safer and stronger.

Thank you for trusting us to do this critical work.