Shelby County District Attorney’s Office to Release Video in Officer-Involved Shooting Related to the Death of Jarveon Hudspeth

Shelby County, TN—Today, The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will release video of the fatal officer-involved shooting involving Jarveon Hudspeth and a Shelby County Deputy on June 24. The expected time of release is 3:30 PM CST. The videos will be posted on the Shelby County District Attorney’s website. Mr. Hudspeth’s family has viewed the footage. 

The posted videos are from the deputy’s in-car camera, body-worn camera, and a neighbor’s ring camera. Viewer discretion is advised. 

The events in the video begin with both vehicles traveling on the road and end after the deputy is ejected from the vehicle. Ultimately, Mr. Hudspeth died as a result of the shooting. The deputy suffered critical injuries.

“For transparency, our office is incorporating a new practice where we try to release videos in a timely manner as long as it does not compromise the integrity of the investigation,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “In the past, video has not been released until the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has completed its investigation. Our goal is to speed up that process by showing video as soon as possible when we are sure that it won’t compromise the investigation. The release of the Jarveon Hudspeth video is evidence of our Office’s new practice.”

Beyond the events shown in the video, the SCDAG’s Office cannot provide additional comment due to TBI’s ongoing investigation. Once the investigation by TBI is complete, our Justice Review Unit (JRU) will review the findings and make a recommendation to the District Attorney.

###

DA Mulroy works with Public Rights Project to Oppose State Legislature's Attempt to Strip DAs of Some Authority

Today DA Mulroy will argue his case, opposing the State Legislature’s attempt to strip Tennessee of authority to make decisions in post-conviction death penalty proceedings. Yesterday, the DA, along with Public Rights Project filed a brief opposing the state legislature’s attempt.

DA Mulroy was elected as a reform candidate in 2022, defeating an incumbent DA who had faced criticism for her persistent refusal to acknowledge the claims of a death row prisoner whose intellectual disability made executing him unconstitutional. In recent months, DA Mulroy decided to use his discretion as an elected DA to not contest similar claims brought by a death row prisoner. The Tennessee Legislature responded by passing a law that strips the state’s elected DAs of their power to represent the state in trial-level post-conviction proceedings in capital cases–proceedings that are used in Tennessee to bring forth newly discovered evidence–and transferred it to the state’s unelected Attorney General.

“This law transfers the most solemn power a DA has—cases literally involving life and death—-from a locally elected resident of the county to a distant, unelected state officer. It effectively disenfranchises the voters who voted for 32 DAs across the state,” said DA Mulroy. “I felt it was my duty to point out its unconstitutionality. I thank PRP for assisting me in doing so.”

With PRP as counsel, DA Mulroy filed in support of a death row prisoner’s motion to disqualify the Attorney General from representing the state in trial-level post-conviction proceedings in his capital case. Our brief argues that the recently enacted law violates the Tennessee Constitution, which gives DAs–not the AG–the exclusive responsibility and duty to seek justice by evaluating new evidence in capital cases to decide whether seeking the death penalty is appropriate. Furthermore, we argue that the recently enacted law violates the Tennessee Constitution by transferring this authority to the unelected Attorney General, thereby depriving local voters of their ability to have their chosen DA implement their values and policy preferences in criminal proceedings.

 The case is to be heard today, June 2.

Statement from DA Mulroy Regarding Chase Harris (alleged to be the shooter of the incident that took place at Huey’s, April 30)

We received several questions regarding the case of Chase Harris, who is alleged to be involved in the Huey's shooting. Consistent with our normal practice and with our prior public statements on this, we sought pretrial detention for Mr. Harris at the first opportunity because of his recent record of repeated offenses.

We obtained an indictment against Mr. Harris on Tuesday of one count of theft of property over $10,000 and another count of theft of property over $2,500. We recommended a bond of $210,000. Mr. Harris is currently in custody. If he makes his bond of $210, 000 through a bonding company, there will be a "source hearing" to determine whether he obtained the bail funds from legal sources. We will seek continued detention, pending such hearing.

Thanks to the Memphis Police Department and the U.S. Marshals for their assistance in presenting the case to the grand jury, and in placing Mr. Harris in custody.

Statement on motion filed to seek pre-trial detention in the case of Chase Harris, alleged to be involved in the recent shooting at Huey's

In his Friday email newsletter, Mayor Strickland stated that our office had not filed a motion to revoke the bond of Chase Harris, who is alleged to be involved in the recent shooting at Huey’s.

This is incorrect.

We filed a motion to revoke or increase bond last Tuesday, May 16. As we have stated repeatedly in our public statements since May 12, the prior decisions to release this defendant were made by a judicial commissioner with no prosecutor or defense lawyer present, and we intend to seek pretrial detention of Mr. Harris at his upcoming June 1 hearing.

We asked Mayor Strickland to correct the error. He agreed to make the correction in his upcoming Friday newsletter.

It’s important the public have accurate information. Once again, the DA’s office does not set bonds. In a case like this, our office does not get involved in even recommending bonds until the bond hearing 72 hours after arrest. We will continue to seek pretrial detention where the facts suggest the defendant poses a risk of flight or re-offense.

Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Announces Mighty Lights Dynamic Light Show in Honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

On Tuesday, April 25th, the Mighty Lights will glow blue, green, and purple after sunset to commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, observed April 23rd to 29th. Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy will hold a press conference prior to the bridge lighting at 7:15PM at the Memphis Suffrage Monument, located behind the University of Memphis Law School Library at 1 North Front Street. The theme this year for NCVRW is: ‘Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.’

“Our office works tirelessly every day to ensure that crime victims in Shelby County feel heard, believed, and supported,” says DA Mulroy. “We strive to ensure that victims have access to all of the resources available to them, and we’re adding new resources. Recently, we partnered with West TN Therapy Dogs, and with the Shelby County Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center to house an advocate in 201 Poplar, to more directly connect victims to the services they need both inside and outside of the courtroom.”

The show will begin at sunset. The first 10 minutes of each half hour will be a dynamic light show, and the next 20 minutes of the half hour will be blue, green, and purple static lights. The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crimes chose blue, green, and purple as this year’s NCVRW theme colors. This alternation will continue until 10:30 p.m. After that, the lights will remain static until sunrise.

DA Mulroy Discusses Lessons Learned in Tyre Nichols Investigation During Keynote Speech at Criminal Justice Section Meeting

Today, DA Mulroy addressed members of the American Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section, during their annual spring meeting.

As the event’s keynote speaker, DA Mulroy discussed lessons learned serving as the chief prosecutor during the Tyre Nichols case, while also issuing a call for police reform measures.

“National civil rights lawyer Ben Crump famously said on CNN that the way we handled this tragedy was “a blueprint for the nation.” I’m proud of that, and I’m proud of the way my staff thoroughly but quickly dealt with a potentially explosive fiasco.

To prove my point, let me posit three lessons we can learn from this experience about the unique challenges of officer-involved fatalities: We Can Pick Up The Pace. We Can Be More Transparent. We Can Be More Strategic.” -DA Steve Mulroy

Transcript of full speech and video will be posted soon.

Statement on MPD's Juvenile Program and Plan

DA Mulroy and members of his staff met with Chief Davis and representatives of the MPD, DMC, and Juvenile  Court. Over the next month or so, MPD will develop a summer plan addressing all parts of the city and all age groups, and will consult with our office and these other groups in doing so. Goals include keeping safe young unaccompanied children; ensuring that residents and visitors feel safe late at night; and minimizing youth contact with the criminal justice system.

Our office will work in partnership with MPD toward these goals, and will prosecute youth violence appropriately. We also plan to meet with members of the Youth Justice Action Council to solicit input, and to seek grant opportunities to provide facilities, services, and interventions to prevent youth violence.

DA Mulroy Seeks Death Penalty in Ezekiel Kelly Case

Shelby County, TN— This morning (March 27), the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office filed in court a notice seeking the death penalty in the Ezekiel Kelly case.

Under the law, any first-degree murder conviction is eligible for the death penalty if one or more statutorily defined aggravating factors are present. In this case, our office has identified four such aggravating factors that we allege to be present (TCA 39-13-204(i)):

1.       The defendant was previously convicted of one or more felonies, other than the present charge, whose statutory elements involve the use of violence to the person.

2.      The defendant committed “mass murder,” which is defined as the murder of three or more persons whether committed during a single criminal episode, or at different times within a 48 month period.

3.      The murder was committed in the course of an act of terrorism (see TCA 39-13-805 Commission of Act of Terrorism).

4.      The murder was committed at random, and the reasons for the killing are not obvious or easily understood.

In this case, the defendant allegedly went on an hours-long, apparently random murder spree, killing three people and seriously wounding three more.

“I’ve made no secret of my opposition to capital punishment as a policy matter. If I were a legislator, I would vote against it. But as DA, I have to enforce the law as written, even if I disagree with it,” said DA Mulroy. “The facts of this case compel me to seek the maximum penalty provided under the law, regardless of my personal beliefs.”

The SCDAG Office has provided discovery to the defense and will continue to work cooperatively with the defense and prosecute this case in court, in order to see that justice is done.

DA Mulroy Pens Op-Ed Addressing Misconceptions Related to Shelby County’s New Bail System

Shelby County, TN – Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy penned an op-ed for The Commercial Appeal, further explaining Shelby County’s new bail system, the DA's role in the process, and other issues related to bail reform. 

“Lately, there’s been local discussion on some well-publicized cases of defendants controversially being released on bail,” DA Mulroy wrote in the opinion article. “As the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office continues to prioritize the violent crime that has steadily increased over the past decade, it’s useful to clear up a few misconceptions about bail. Most importantly, bail isn’t what’s driving crime in Shelby County.”

Read the full op-ed here.

Vera Institute of Justice Partners with Prosecutors to Improve Public Safety

The Reshaping Prosecution initiative will provide prosecutors in Texas and Tennessee with policy expertise, data analysis, and educational tools to address public safety in their communities.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 14, 2023

Contact: Nico MacDonald, nmacdonald@vera.org, 212-376-3138

(NEW YORK) — Today, The Vera Institute of Justice’s Reshaping Prosecution initiative begins partnerships with Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy (TN) and Fort Bend District Attorney Brian Middleton (TX).

Vera will assist each office with implementing reforms and building evidence that alternative approaches can be a better path to safety than incarceration through its policy expertise, implementation and training support, and analysis of data from the office’s case management system. In addition, reforms will be guided by research conducted in collaboration with community members, who will be trained and hired as co-researchers.

Each office will work closely with Vera for one year to implement a new policy and identify other reforms to support a vision of safety and accountability defined by its community. Although historically prosecutors have relied solely on charging and incarceration to address most offenses because policymakers believed doing so improved public safety, research suggests that those practices are sometimes ineffective in doing so, and in some cases, incarceration can lead to an increase in crime. As a response to this research and evidence, these offices’ new community accountability programs, sometimes called diversion programs, will target the underlying problems that led to the incident of crime in the first place instead of only considering charging and incarceration. Addressing the root causes of community instability and centering survivors of crimes in community accountability programs not only can improve community safety and reduce crime but has proven to be a cost-efficient alternative too.

“Prosecutors have the discretion and responsibility to explore new approaches that better support public safety,” says Akhi Johnson, director of the Reshaping Prosecution initiative at the Vera Institute of Justice. “Far too many people are incarcerated and confined inside U.S. jails and prisons. Research has shown that relying primarily on tools of arrest, prosecution, and incarceration hasn’t made us safer. These issues are complex, but we believe that people closest to the problem are closest to the solution, and we look forward to helping each jurisdiction better understand what their communities need to feel safe.”

“I’m pleased that Vera Institute of Justice, one of the premier national criminal legal system reform organizations has chosen our office. They can help us use local data and national best practices to devise a plan to address our most pressing crime issues.” says Steve Mulroy, District Attorney, Shelby County “A plan which, unlike the past decade’s ‘throw away the key’ approach, can be both humane and actually work.”

“A Texas prosecutor’s duty is not to convict, but to see that justice is done. Justice for our victims, justice for the accused, and justice for our communities. Our goal is genuine and lasting public safety. So we owe it to our community to explore all options for reducing crime, and especially decreasing the number of repeat offenders.” says Brian Middleton, District Attorney, Fort Bend County “Partnering with the Vera Institute will provide the research tools necessary to explore those options and the power to mine the data to support them. All at no cost to our taxpayers.”

###

Learn more about the Vera Institute of Justice here.

Statement from Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Regarding Delay of Video Release in Tyre Nichols Investigation

“For the sake of transparency and the public interest, our office supports MPD’s decision to release the remainder of the video footage in the Tyre Nichols investigation.

Regarding other material planned for release, our office needs to review it carefully to ensure it doesn’t prejudice the defendant or jeopardize our prosecution. We know the judge has the final say in this matter and trust that the appropriate decision has been made to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. We will work to review the material promptly in the hopes that the majority of it will be released sooner rather than later.”

Shelby County DA’s Office Announces Data Transparency Effort with National Reform Group

Memphis, TN—The Shelby County DA's Office announced today that it is entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with national reform group Justice Innovation Lab (JIL) to enhance data transparency in its office.   

The MOU is the culmination of months of preliminary meetings and consultations between JIL and DA office staff.  Composed of former prosecutors and data analysis experts, JIL is a leading organization for data-driven prosecution.  JIL's consulting fees will be paid for with privately raised funds.  

Under the MOU, JIL experts will "embed" within the DA's Office for 12-18 months, reviewing the office's data and interviewing staff.  JIL will help clean the office's data, show staff how to use it in evaluating office performance, and ultimately help design a public-facing "data dashboard" on the DA’s office website. 

"Increasing data transparency is something I've been talking about since the start of my campaign," said DA Steve Mulroy.  "I'm pleased to have national experts who specialize in this area to help us use data to measure performance, drive decision making, and let the public hold the system accountable." 

###

Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Announces Grand Jury Indictments in Dr. Autura Eason-Williams Case

Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Announces Grand Jury Indictments in Dr. Autura Eason-Williams Case

Memphis, TN – The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday that a Grand Jury has indicted 15-year-old Miguel Andrade and 21-year-old Eduard Rodriguez-Tabora for two counts of First Degree Murder and Especially Aggravated Robbery relating to the death of Dr. Autura Eason-Williams, who was shot and killed in the driveway of her home on July 18, 2022. One count of First Degree Murder relates to the premeditated killing of Mrs. Eason-Williams, and the second count relates to the killing of Mrs. Eason Williams during the perpetration of a robbery.

The Shelby County DA’s Office requested a one million dollar bond for Rodriguez-Tabora at the preliminary hearing on October 19, 2022, which was granted. At the transfer hearing for Miguel Andrade, the DA’s Office asked for a $600,000 bond. The Court instead set the bond for $200,000.

Andrade posted bond, while Tabora remains in custody. A court date has not been set at the present time.

In October, the DA’s Office announced that Andrade would be tried as an adult. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Forrest M. Edwards of the Crime Strategies and Narcotics Prosecution Unit.

###

Update: Gershun Freeman Investigation Led by Outside Prosecutors

Soon after learning of the death of Gershun Freeman, DA Mulroy called in an independent prosecutor to investigate. Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk’s Office is now investigating the case. Because the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is not overseeing this investigation, there are no additional comments to provide at this time.

Statement Regarding Darrius Stewart

Earlier today, DA Mulroy and attorneys from our office met with Darrius Stewart’s father, Henry Williams, and his attorney.

During our meeting, the attorney informed us that there was information that we may have not been privy to that was uncovered during the civil investigation.

DA Mulroy agreed to review the information the attorney will provide and committed to following up after review.

Shelby County’s New Bail System Goes Into Effect

Shelby County‘s new bail process system goes into effect, February 15. The new system includes the creation of a new bail hearing courtroom, bail hearings with counsel no later than 72 hours after a person’s arrest, and examination of a person’s financial circumstances prior to a bond decision using the Vera Institute’s ‘Ability to Pay’ calculator.

Under the new system, judges will continue to make decisions in all cases but are encouraged to use secured money bail only as a last resort—as required by Tennessee Law.

Under Shelby County’s prior pretrial system, an arrested person could be held for weeks, months, or even years waiting for their day in court. Additionally, their ability to pay the bail amount was not taken into consideration.

The new bail system comes after a group of local and national organizations—including American Civil Liberties Union and Just City— called for Shelby County judicial and government officials to discontinue bail practices that violate the constitutional rights of people arrested in Shelby County.

In August 2022, Shelby County Commissioners passed a resolution for the new bail process to make the system one of the fairest in the nation.

Former MPD Officer, Preston Hemphill to be Added to Giglio List

February 13, 2023—The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will add former Memphis Police Department Officer Preston Hemphill to the Giglio list. Additionally, the Office will investigate all prior and pending cases of Hemphill.

Last week the DA’s Office announced that the five former MPD Officers who are charged in the Tyre Nichols investigation had been added to the Giglio list and that the Office will investigate all of the five officers’ prior and pending cases.

This is still a very active and ongoing investigation. The current charges do not preclude us from adding additional charges as the investigation progresses.

Note: A Giglio or Brady list is a list compiled usually by a prosecutor's office or a police department containing the names and details of law enforcement officers who have had sustained incidents of untruthfulness, criminal convictions, and other issues—placing their credibility into question.

Statement from Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Regarding Gershun Freeman Investigation

In October, the District Attorney’s Office was made aware of the death of Mr. Gershun Freeman, who died while in the Shelby County jail. DA Mulroy immediately called in the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to investigate Mr. Freeman’s death. Additionally, our Justice Review Unit (JRU) has begun reviewing the details of the investigation.

The JRU—who received the medical examiner’s report yesterday evening—will continue their review of the investigation thus far conducted by TBI. The JRU will make a recommendation to DA Mulroy once the investigation is complete.

Because this is an ongoing investigation and has not been completed by TBI or the JRU, this is the only information we can provide at this time.

Statement from Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Regarding Ongoing Investigation in Tyre Nichols Case

This is an ongoing investigation. The current charges do not preclude us from adding additional charges as more information is presented. We are looking at all individuals involved in the events leading up to, during, and after the beating of Tyre Nichols. This includes the officer present at the initial encounter who has not— so far—been charged, Memphis Fire Department personnel, and persons who participated in preparing documentation of the incident afterward.

The DA’s Office worked extraordinarily swiftly but thoroughly to charge those whose offenses were plain and clear and directly contributed to the death of Mr. Nichols, but in no way is this investigation over.

While we are committed to transparency, we cannot comment on the details of an ongoing investigation or give previews of what charges we may or may not bring.

Our goal remains the same: to seek justice for Tyre Nichols and hold all who contributed to his death accountable. We ask for the public's patience as the investigation continues.

DA Mulroy Provides Statement Following Release of Tyre Nichols Video

The City of Memphis has now released the video documenting the tragic murder of Tyre Nichols. I know the Shelby County community, and the nation, are feeling both the outrage and the deep pain that comes with witnessing these acts of violence. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Tyre’s family.

We know that this is a difficult time, and for some, the video may be hard to watch.The video was released because it was important to the community and to Tyre’s family, as they want the world to be their witness and feel their pain. But as we witness the tragic end of Tyre’s life, I also urge you to remember Tyre Nichols as his family does: with his big smile, skateboarding, and being a loving family member.

The release was delayed because it was important to make sure witnesses spoke first from their memory and nothing else. As D.A., I have always sought to balance out the rightful demands of the community with protecting the integrity of our investigation and prosecution.

It’s my hope that this tragedy can lead to a broader conversation on police reform. Memphis has a number of local community groups and I urge you to support them in their social justice efforts. We also commit to partnering with them and doing whatever we can with our resources to help our community heal.

While we understand and recognize the right to protest, we stand with Tyre’s family who have called for peaceful demonstrations.

While nothing we do can bring Tyre back, we promise you that we are doing all we can to ensure that Tyre’s family, and our city of Memphis, see justice for Tyre Nichols.