Shelby County Jury Convicts Man of First-Degree Murder in 2021 Killing of Wife

Shelby County, TN — A Shelby County jury has convicted Robert Washington of First-Degree Murder for the October 27, 2021, killing of his wife, Trenecia Brown. Following the guilty verdict, Criminal Court Judge Lee V. Coffee sentenced Washington to life in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

The proof at trial showed that Washington forced his way into Brown's apartment and fatally stabbed her while the couple's 2-year-old daughter was present. After the attack, Washington took the child from the apartment and later left her safely with her grandmother. Memphis Police officers responding to the scene found Brown deceased inside the apartment.

Assistant District Attorneys Brittany Neal and Monica Timmerman prosecuted the case on behalf of the State of Tennessee.

"This was an especially brutal act of violence that forever changed the lives of everyone who loved Trenecia, especially her young daughter," said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. "While no verdict can undo that loss, we hope this conviction and sentence bring a measure of justice and closure to her family."

Judge Lee V. Coffee presided over the case in Shelby County Criminal Court Division 7.

Shelby County District Attorney's Office Concludes Review of May 13 Officer-Involved Shooting

Shelby County, TN – Following a review of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation's investigation into the May 13, 2026, officer-involved shooting that occurred while law enforcement officers were attempting to serve an arrest warrant, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office has determined that no criminal charges will be filed.

After reviewing the evidence and applying Tennessee law governing the use of force by law enforcement officers, the Office determined that the use of deadly force was legally justified and that the evidence does not support a reasonable likelihood of conviction. The Office's review is now complete.

Statement from DA Mulroy: “The evidence shows officers were serving a warrant for aggravated assault, and had reason to suspect Mr. Pigram had previously used a weapon unlawfully. They appeared in uniform, identified themselves as officers, and indicated they were there to arrest him.  Video confirmed the bulk of the officers’ account, although it did not clearly show the actual shooting itself.  Non-law-enforcement witnesses confirmed the officers’ account that Mr. Pigram made statements like “No way…What are you going to do, shoot me? Shoot me,” and that it was not unusual for him to be armed while working at the Burger King.  Mr. Pigram was found with a handgun, and there is no credible evidence contradicting the consistent account of two officers  that he reached for the gun in his waistband before the officer fired.  On these facts, we cannot conclude that any law was violated.

We understand that some residents are concerned about the recent number of fatal shootings involving task force personnel, as well as the deployment of the task force more generally.  But our office must consider each individual case separately based on the facts and the law.”

Declination letter attached.

Security Guard Sentenced to Six Years for Shooting Outside Memphis Nightclub

Shelby County, TN — Desmond Humphrey has pleaded guilty to Aggravated Assault and was sentenced to six years in prison for shooting a woman outside a South Memphis nightclub.

The shooting occurred on April 11, 2025, outside Black Onyx Gentlemen's Club on South Third Street. According to the investigation, Humphrey, who was working as a security guard at the club, became involved in an altercation with a woman. During the incident, Humphrey slapped the victim before shooting her multiple times.

The victim survived her injuries.

On July 8, 2026, Humphrey pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Assault and was sentenced to six years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

DA Mulroy Issues Warning About Unofficial Sample Ballots

Shelby County, TN —As Shelby County prepares for another election season, District Attorney Steve Mulroy encourages voters to carefully examine any sample ballot they receive and verify who produced it.  

It’s common practice for both the Shelby County Democratic and Republican Parties to distribute official sample ballots identifying the candidates they have endorsed. However, in past election cycles, independently produced sample ballots that closely resembled the parties' official versions have created confusion among voters. This confusion is compounded when workers paid to distribute these ballots at voting locations call them, for example, “the official Democratic ballot” — a sadly common practice in recent elections.

To help prevent confusion before early voting begins, DA Mulroy recently sent letters to organizations that may distribute election materials, warning them that Tennessee law makes it a crime to intentionally deceive voters with such ballots, and asking them to clearly distinguish their voter guides from the political parties’ official sample ballots.  

For example, the “Memphis Democratic Club” is not affiliated with the Shelby County Democratic Party.  Combining “Memphis” or “Shelby County” with the word “Democratic” and a donkey logo can cause real voter confusion.  Adding a disclaimer, like “Not affiliated with the Shelby County Republican Party,” can help avoid such confusion.

“Our elections only work with an adequately informed electorate,” said DA Steve Mulroy. “Purveyors of paid ‘endorsement ballots’ should be on notice that fooling voters regarding who’s really behind the ballot is against the law and will be punished. Voters should be on notice that they need to scrutinize any sample ballot they get to make sure they understand just who is actually doing the endorsing.”

By taking a moment to confirm the source of election materials, voters can make informed decisions with confidence and help preserve the integrity of the electoral process.

Defendant Sentenced to 150 Years for 2022 Double Homicide

Shelby County, TN — Joshua Gossett was sentenced today to 150 years in prison. This comes after a Shelby County jury found him guilty in April of two counts of First-Degree Murder and related firearm charges for the 2022 killings of Shunish Baggett and Richard Skelskey.

Chief Prosecutor Carrie Bush and Assistant District Attorney JD Hamblen successfully prosecuted the case, securing guilty verdicts on all charges. During the trial, they presented testimony from 15 witnesses, 57 exhibits, numerous surveillance videos, and approximately six hours of Gossett's recorded statement to police.

The convictions stem from events on October 30, 2022. Prosecutors proved that Gossett used the Lyft app to travel to the home of Shunish Baggett, where he shot and killed her. He then used the app again to request a ride from the scene. Richard Skelskey, an 80-year-old Lyft driver, accepted the request. After Skelskey picked him up, Gossett shot him in the head, stole his vehicle, and drove away.

Using Gossett's digital footprint, surveillance footage, forensic analysis of electronic evidence, and his own statement to police, prosecutors established his identity and actions, leading to guilty verdicts on all counts.

Before sentencing, members of both victims' families delivered victim impact statements. Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett then sentenced Gossett to 150 years in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN ROAD RAGE KILLING OF MEMPHIS CHEF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN — Criminal Court Judge Chris Craft today sentenced Jonathan Brush to six years in the Tennessee Department of Correction following his conviction for Voluntary Manslaughter in the 2022 killing of Memphis chef Jody Moyt.

On May 16, 2026, a Shelby County jury found Moyt guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter after a trial stemming from the fatal stabbing of Moyt on April 24, 2022.

Proof presented at trial showed that following a traffic-related incident on Sam Cooper Boulevard, Brush stabbed Moyt multiple times, causing injuries that resulted in his death.

During the sentencing hearing, the Court heard testimony from the sister of Daniel McClendon, the man whom Brush was convicted of killing in 1991 in Destin, Florida. McClendon's sister spoke about her brother's life and the devastating impact his murder had on her family. Her testimony was presented as part of the State's proof regarding Brush's prior Second Degree Murder conviction and its relevance to his character and history of violent conduct.

Judge Craft noted that, despite Brush's prior Second Degree Murder conviction in Florida, recent changes in Tennessee law limited the sentencing range available to the Court. As a result, the maximum sentence available for the Voluntary Manslaughter conviction was six years, with release eligibility after serving 30 percent of the sentence.

Assistant District Attorneys Missy Braham and Matthew Blissitt prosecuted the case and handled the sentencing.

Jury Convicts Man of Multiple Child Sexual Abuse Charges

Shelby County, TN — A Shelby County jury found Luis Espino guilty Friday of multiple charges stemming from the prolonged sexual abuse of his stepdaughter over several years. After five hours of deliberation, the jury returned a verdict of Guilty as Charged on three counts of Aggravated Rape of a Child and six counts of Rape of a Child.

Proof at trial showed that Espino sexually abused the victim beginning when she was a young child and continuing for years. The victim later disclosed the abuse, which prompted an investigation and ultimately led to criminal charges.

The jury convicted Espino after hearing testimony and reviewing evidence presented during the trial.

"Cases involving the sexual abuse of children are among the most difficult and heartbreaking that prosecutors handle," said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. "We are grateful to the victim for her courage in coming forward and sharing her story. This verdict holds the defendant accountable and helps ensure he can no longer harm children."

Assistant District Attorneys William Wetter and Annika Rush prosecuted the case.

Espino will be sentenced at a later date.

Woman Sentenced to 25 Years at 100% for Murder of Memphis Community Activist

Shelby County, TN. — Tifanee Wright was sentenced Monday to 25 years in prison at 100 percent for the 2022 murder of Memphis community activist Dr. Yvonne Nelson.

Earlier this year, a Shelby County jury convicted Wright of Second Degree Murder after prosecutors proved that she shot and killed Dr. Nelson following an argument over money. Wright claimed she acted in self-defense, but jurors rejected that defense and found her guilty.

During Monday's sentencing hearing, Dr. Nelson's daughter spoke about her mother's legacy and the profound impact her death has had on the family. Wright addressed the court and maintained that she acted in self-defense, while her mother testified on her behalf and apologized to Dr. Nelson's family.

Dr. Nelson was widely known throughout Memphis for her community advocacy. During the hearing, her daughter presented a plaque recognizing Dr. Nelson's work as a community advocate and described her as a brilliant, spiritual, and larger-than-life presence whose loss continues to be felt by family and friends.

"This sentence holds the defendant accountable for taking the life of a woman who devoted herself to helping others," said Assistant District Attorney Cody Tolbert. "While no sentence can undo the harm caused by this senseless act of violence, we hope today's outcome provides a measure of justice for Dr. Nelson's loved ones and all those impacted by her loss."

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Cody Tolbert and Sam Winnig.

DA Mulroy Responds to Motion Seeking Dismissal of Lawsuit Challenging State Laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, Tenn. — Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy today responded to efforts by the Tennessee Attorney General's Office to dismiss a lawsuit challenging recently enacted state laws that interfere with the authority of the elected District Attorney for Shelby County.

The lawsuit, filed last week challenges two laws passed during the recent legislative session that target the Shelby County District Attorney's Office and its role in matters involving the Memphis Safe Task Force. The lawsuit alleges the laws violate the Tennessee Constitution and unlawfully interfere with the authority granted to a locally elected constitutional officer.

Over the weekend, attorneys representing District Attorney Mulroy filed a response opposing the Attorney General's effort to dismiss the lawsuit before the court has an opportunity to consider the constitutional issues raised in the complaint. According to the filing, Tennessee law and prior court decisions support the District Attorney's ability to bring the challenge.

"This case is about preserving the independence of an office that answers to the voters of Shelby County," said District Attorney Steve Mulroy. "We believe these laws are unconstitutional, and we are asking the courts to review them on the merits. The people of Shelby County deserve to have those questions fully considered."

The Shelby County District Attorney's Office remains committed to working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to improve public safety while also ensuring that governmental actions comply with the Tennessee Constitution.

The lawsuit remains pending before the court.

Two Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Attorneys Admitted to U.S. Supreme Court Bar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Shelby County, TN — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is proud to recognize Chief Administrative Officer Jessica Indingaro and Assistant District Attorney Tracye Jones who were among 24 elected District Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys from across the country recently admitted to the Bar of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Indingaro also serves as counsel to the District Attorney on legal and administrative matters. Jones participated in the admission through the National Bar Association Women Lawyers Division.

Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy, who was admitted to the Bar of the United States Supreme Court several years ago, also sponsored a few fellow District Attorneys from other jurisdictions for admission this year.

Admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar is a professional distinction awarded to attorneys who have been in good standing with their state bar for at least three years and are sponsored by current members of the Supreme Court Bar.

“This distinction reflects a continued commitment to legal excellence and public service,” said DA Mulroy. “Our office is committed to serving the people of Shelby County with professionalism, integrity, and a strong understanding of the law at every level.”

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office congratulates both attorneys on this achievement and their continued service to the people of Shelby County.

More information about the U.S. Supreme Court Bar admissions process is available at Supreme Court of the United States Admissions Information.

Memphis Man Found Guilty of Rape of a Child, Aggravated Sexual Battery

Shelby County, Tenn. — Following a four-day trial—on May 21— a Shelby County jury found Ricky Booker guilty of rape of a child and aggravated sexual battery involving the sexual abuse of a minor over several years.

According to proof presented at trial, the victim disclosed in 2022 that Booker sexually abused her repeatedly between the ages of 9 and 12. The abuse was reported to the Memphis Police Department and investigated by the department’s Sex Crimes Unit after the victim participated in a forensic interview at the Memphis Child Advocacy Center.

After hearing testimony and reviewing evidence presented during the trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts.

“This verdict reflects the courage it took for the victim to come forward and share what happened to her,” said Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy. “We are grateful to the jury for carefully reviewing the evidence and holding the defendant accountable.”

Booker will be sentenced at a later date.

The trial was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Alexia Crump and Venecia Patterson.

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Shelby County DA Files Lawsuit Challenging New State Oversight Laws

Shelby County — [May 26, 2026] Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy filed suit today in Shelby County Chancery Court, asking the court to strike down two newly enacted state laws that he says unconstitutionally single out his office and erode the authority of locally elected prosecutors across Tennessee.

The lawsuit, brought by Mulroy in his official capacity as district attorney general for the 30th Judicial District, challenges the Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act (Senate Bill 1467, Public Chapter 943) and a measure authorizing a state audit of his office, commonly referred to as the AG Audit Bill (Senate Bill 443 / House Bill 483, Public Chapter 928). Both were passed during the 2026 session of the Tennessee General Assembly. Both apply only to the judicial district that encompasses Shelby County.

The Memphis Safe Task Force Accountability Act requires the District Attorney's Office to file a report every 10 business days whenever it settles or dismisses a charge arising from the federal Memphis Safe Task Force. The AG Audit Bill authorizes the Tennessee Attorney General — an appointed, not elected, official — to audit every prosecutorial decision the office makes in a federal task force case, from the initial bail determination through final resolution.

It also permits the Attorney General to petition the Tennessee Supreme Court to appoint a "pro tem," or temporary, district attorney to handle those cases, an unelected prosecutor who would operate in parallel with the duly elected Shelby County DA.

The complaint raises several constitutional claims: it alleges both laws violate equal protection by impermissibly singling out Shelby County for disparate treatment. The suit further alleges violations of the separation of powers.

Historically, the complaint notes, such appointments have been reserved for a vacancy in office or a conflict of interest, not as a tool to second-guess the charging decisions of an elected prosecutor.

Mulroy has consistently maintained that his office already reports case outcomes as required under existing Tennessee law, and that cases connected to the task force are reviewed under the same legal and ethical standards as every other case his office handles.

"These bills target Shelby County unfairly and infringe on the rights of Shelby County voters," says Mulroy.  "Our constitution and decades of State Supreme Court precedent make clear that a locally elected DA has wide discretion in how to handle cases, free from interference, and only a locally elected judge can appoint a replacement DA if the elected DA becomes unavailable."

"The reporting requirements are vague, duplicative, and administratively burdensome.  They suggest that federal task force cases should be given more priority than cases brought independently by local law enforcement.  They'll take staff away from real law enforcement work to perform pointless busywork, when the same case resolution data--for all cases, not just task force cases--is already required to be provided to the Legislature by all DA offices across the state."

The suit asks the court to declare both laws unconstitutional and to permanently bar their enforcement.

DA Mulroy is represented by the Washington Litigation Group and Donati Law, PLLC.

“The General Assembly's new bills targeting District Attorney Mulroy violate the Tennessee Constitution's local control and equal protection mandates,” explained Mary Dohrmann, Senior Counsel at the Washington Litigation Group. “We’re proud to represent District Attorney Mulroy and protect his exercise of his constitutional office from unlawful interference.”

The 30th Judicial District Attorney General's Office serves Shelby County and is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the people of the district.

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Media Contact: Erica Williams | erica.williams@scdag.com

About the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, led by DA Steve Mulroy, serves more than 920,000 Memphis and Shelby County residents. DA Mulroy and his team of prosecutors are committed to a safer and fairer Shelby County. Follow the SCDAG’s Office on Facebook and X @shelbycountyda.

Memphis Man Found Guilty in 2024 Hyde Park Murder of Geneva Gladney

Shelby County, Tenn. — A Shelby County jury found Joshua Banks guilty Friday of first-degree murder in the October 2024 shooting death of Geneva Gladney, who was killed at her apartment complex in North Memphis.

Banks, 43, was convicted following a trial that began last week in Shelby County Criminal Court. Prosecutors sought life without the possibility of parole.

According to Memphis Police, Gladney was found shot to death at the University Gardens Manor apartments in the Hyde Park area.

Court records show Banks and Gladney had dated for about six months before Gladney discovered on Sept. 26, 2024, that Banks had stolen $900 from her bank account. Gladney ended the relationship and told Banks to move out. After the breakup, Banks threatened to kill the adults in Gladney’s family, according to court records.

Investigators said Banks sent messages on the night of the shooting claiming he was going to return the money. Surveillance video later showed Banks’ car entering Gladney’s apartment complex before the shooting and leaving afterward.

Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey and Assistant District Attorney Regina Lucreziano prosecuted the case for the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.

DA’s Office Releases Video Related to Police Response at No Kings Rally

UPDATE: Video link is being updated by IT SERVICES due to a glitch. We will send out a new link shortly.

Shelby County, Tenn. — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has released video related to the police response at the March 28 No Kings Rally, following requests from several local organizations.

“Given the high level of public interest, the video should be available for transparency,” said District Attorney General Steve Mulroy. “There are too many hours of footage to review and redact at this time, but we have provided the relevant portion focused on the police use of force.”

The video can be viewed here on our website.

Below is a list of the organizations that requested release of the video.

901 Harm Reduction
American Muslim Advisory Council
Black Voters Matter
Da Sammich Spot Restaurant & Resource Hub
Decarcerate Memphis
Free the 901
Freedom for Immigrants
Indivisible Memphis
Just City
Justice and Safety Alliance
Latino Memphis
Memphis A. Philip Randolph Institute
Memphis for All
Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope
Memphis Moms for Gaza
Memphis-Mid South Democratic Socialists of America
Path of the Holy Hands
Stand for Children Tennessee
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition
Tigers Against Pollution
Transformative Justice Initiative
United Campus Workers, Memphis Local 3821
United Volunteers of Tennessee
Vecindarios 901
Vets for the 901

Final Defendant in Young Dolph Murder Case Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Second-Degree Murder

Shelby County, Tenn. — Cornelius Smith, the final defendant charged in the killing of Memphis rapper Adolph Thornton Jr., widely known as Young Dolph, was sentenced today in Shelby County Criminal Court after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.

Smith received a 20-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction. His sentencing follows the conviction of Justin Johnson, who was found guilty in 2024 and sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 35 years, and the trial of Hernandez Govan, who was found not guilty on August 21, 2025, of charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and attempted murder.

Smith was charged in connection with the November 17, 2021 shooting outside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in South Memphis, where Thornton was killed. The case drew national attention because of Thornton’s prominence as an independent artist, entrepreneur, and beloved Memphis figure.

Smith was originally indicted on charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over $10,000. The attempted murder charge involved Thornton’s brother, who was with him at the time of the shooting. The theft charge stemmed from the vehicle authorities said was used in the shooting.

“Young Dolph was a beloved member of this community, his death a tragedy, his murder an outrage,” said District Attorney General Steve Mulroy. “We’re glad to finally have this last part of the case resolved. The sentence properly reflects the gravity of the offense while giving due consideration to the cooperation this defendant provided. We hope this resolution can give Dolph’s family some sense of closure.”

Smith’s plea and sentence bring the criminal prosecution of the charged defendants in Thornton’s killing to a close. Prosecutors said Smith’s cooperation was an important factor in resolving the case, including his testimony during Johnson’s trial.

“Cornelius Smith pled guilty today to participating in the killing of Adolph Thornton Jr., more well-known as the rapper Dolph,” said Deputy DA Paul Hagerman, who tried the case. “Beyond his music, Thornton was a cherished Memphian, beloved by his family and friends, and a great believer in this city. Smith cooperated in the prosecution and testified that he and Justin Johnson killed Dolph as part of a planned gang-related hit. Johnson was convicted as charged of all charges; his appeal has been heard and denied, and he is now serving a sentence in excess of life imprisonment.

“Today, Smith received a 20-year sentence to be served without any chance of early release and without any parole. Smith’s participation in this crime is inexcusable, but Smith owned up to his crime, told the truth in court despite fear of retribution and threats, and has now accepted responsibility and received this long prison sentence. His cooperation was essential to the State’s case, and this was taken into consideration in this resolution.

“As a final note, Dolph was here in Memphis because it was his home, but he was also here to do what had become a tradition for him — a turkey giveaway for his neighborhood. Dolph believed in this place, he believed in his people, and he loved his family. His story is, and has always been, bigger than his death.”

Smith will serve his sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction.

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.

Shelby County DA's Office Responds to Senator Marsha Blackburn's Information Request; Corrects Material Inaccuracies

Office releases formal response letter and media fact sheet documenting errors in the letter's premises and data interpretation.

One-pager for media

SHELBY COUNTY, TN — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office today released its formal written response to a letter from Senator Marsha Blackburn requesting information and public records related to the office’s handling of violent criminal cases. Along with the response, the office is releasing a media fact sheet that directly addresses inaccuracies and unsupported conclusions contained in the original request.

The office is making these materials available to members of the media proactively because the original letter — and the characterizations it contained — present an incomplete and inaccurate picture of the office’s record on violent crime prosecution.

“We welcome scrutiny of our record. What we will not allow to go uncorrected is a letter that draws conclusions from misidentified data, and attributes judicial decisions to prosecutorial discretion. The facts show this office leads the state in violent crime convictions and years sentenced. That record deserves to be stated plainly.”

— DA Mulroy, Shelby County District Attorney

Why the Office Is Speaking Out

The Blackburn letter concluded that 82 defendants in violent cases received “no jail time” — a finding derived from subtracting two numbers in a dataset without accounting for pre-conviction incarceration. In reality, the vast majority of those defendants served significant jail time before their cases were resolved.

When the office reviewed the actual case files, it found that 16% of the cases flagged as violent were not violent cases at all, having been incorrectly identified in the request. In 20% of cases where defendants did not receive prison sentences, it was because a judge — not the DA ’s office — imposed that outcome over the prosecution’s objection.

The office has provided its response voluntarily and in good faith, going beyond what the Public Records Act requires. It is doing the same now by proactively sharing the record with the press.

One-pager for media

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MEDIA ADVISORY: Shelby County DA’s Office to Host Bridge Lighting Ceremony Honoring Crime Victims

WHO:
Shelby County District Attorney’s Office
District Attorney Steve Mulroy
Victim Witness Services Team

WHAT:
Bridge Lighting Ceremony in honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

WHEN:
Monday, April 20, 2026
7:15 PM

WHERE:
Memphis Suffrage Monument
Behind the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law
1 N. Front Street
Memphis, TN

WHY:
In recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office will host a brief ceremony to honor victims of crime and stand in solidarity with survivors and their families. The bridge lighting serves as a visible symbol of the community’s commitment to support, remember, and uplift those impacted by crime.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• Remarks from District Attorney Steve Mulroy

• Visuals of bridge lighting

NOTE:
Please RSVP to media@scdag.com.

Higher Convictions and Fewer Dismissals Reflected in Shelby County Data : December 2025 data shows more convictions and fewer dismissals than prior administration

(Shelby County - TN) —The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office released new data showing more convictions and fewer dismissals in December 2025 compared to the previous administration's 2019 data.

The analysis follows a recent local report examining December 2025 case disposition data, which raised questions about dismissal and conviction rates.

The comparison uses December 2019 as a baseline—a period prior to both the current administration and the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted court operations, case flow, and prosecution timelines—allowing for an apples-to-apples comparison.

In December 2025, 61% of cases were convicted and 39% were dismissed. (“Dismissed” refers both to cases that were voluntarily dismissed by prosecutors and those that were dismissed by a judge without prosecutorial agreement.) By comparison, in December 2019, 54% of cases were convicted and 46% were dismissed.

Among violent cases, the conviction rate increased from 56% in 2019 to 67% in 2025, while the dismissal rate decreased from 44% to 33%.The 2025 data is generally consistent with corresponding dismissal rates from large urban jurisdictions—e.g., Ft. Lauderdale, Phoenix, and Milwaukee. Cases can be dismissed for many reasons, including a defect in the arrest warrant or procedure; a lack of evidence; lack of victim or witness cooperation; as part of a “global settlement” where the defendant pleads guilty to other offenses; or, in some low-level cases, as a matter of judicial economy.

The data comes from the District Attorney’s Office case management system, which tracks each case from intake through disposition and is used for internal oversight.

“We’re not speculating—we’re looking at the data,” said DA Steve Mulroy. “We see more convictions and fewer dismissals compared to my Republican predecessor, who never received this type of criticism from Republican politicians.”

The data reflects continued efforts to strengthen case preparation, support victims and witnesses, and ensure cases are positioned for successful outcomes—advancing accountability and public safety across Shelby County.

Juvenile Transferred to Adult Court on Felony Murder Charge in Deadly Shooting

Shelby County, TN. — An 18-year-old charged in a deadly 2025 Memphis shooting has been transferred to adult criminal court to face a felony murder charge in connection with the death of 22-year-old Omarion Cowley.

Anthony Laird Jr., who was 17 at the time of the offense, was transferred on March 11 on the charge of First-Degree Murder in the Perpetration of a Felony (Aggravated Robbery). The bond was set at $200,000. The state requested $500,000.

The case stems from an August 1, 2025 shooting in the 400 block of Betty Bayou Avenue, where Memphis Police officers responded to a call and found the victim suffering from gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators allege the shooting occurred during an attempted aggravated robbery involving two suspects. Witness statements and investigative findings identified Anthony Laird Jr. and Cody Gray as the individuals involved.

Gray, an adult co-defendant in the case, is currently in custody.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said the case highlights its continued focus on violent crime through the V11 initiative, which prioritizes the prosecution of the most serious offenses and moves those cases forward quickly.

The case is being handled by Assistant District Attorneys Sam Winnig and Stephanie Russell.