State Seeking Life Without Parole for Defendant Accused of Shooting Memphis Police Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 12, 2026

Shelby County, TN—The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced today that Danell Maxwell, the man accused of shooting a Memphis Police officer during a traffic stop earlier this year, was arraigned in Criminal Court and entered a plea of not guilty.

Maxwell was indicted on charges of Attempted First-Degree Murder and Employment of a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony in connection with the February 26 shooting of Memphis Police Officer Torres-Molina.

Prosecutors with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office have filed notice that the State intends to seek a sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole if Maxwell is convicted.

“Any attempted murder is wrong, but attacking the very people we depend on to keep us safe is especially harmful to public safety. It sends a dangerous message, and we must counter it,” said DA Mulroy. “The statute specifically provides for a Life Without Parole sentence when the attempted murder is against an on-duty law enforcement officer. Here, we expect to prove the defendant shot an MPD officer in the face at point-blank range during a traffic stop. If LWOP isn’t appropriate here, I don’t know when it would be.”

DA Mulroy added that he wanted to commend Officer Molina “for keeping his head under exceptionally trying circumstances. His ability to remain calm and continue functioning was extraordinary.” According to investigators, Officer Torres-Molina initiated a traffic stop on February 26 when Maxwell allegedly opened fire, critically injuring the officer.

Following a months-long search, Maxwell was placed on Tennessee’s Most Wanted list. He and Tokeytha Owens were apprehended on May 7 by members of the U.S. Marshals Service and the Shelby County Fugitive Apprehension Team at an apartment complex in Cordova.

Owens has been charged as an accessory after the fact. She is scheduled for a hearing in General Sessions Court on May 22.

During today’s hearing, Maxwell appeared without legal representation. His bond remains set at $3 million.

“Our goal moving forward is to seek justice for Officer Molina and the Memphis Police Department in a diligent, fair, and swift manner,” said Monica Timmer, Chief Prosecutor on the case. “This case highlights the dangers that our brave law enforcement officers face every time they clock in, and it is imperative that we vigorously seek justice when violence is turned upon them.”

Maxwell’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 22, 2026.