Office of Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy, representing the 30th Judicial District of TN
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DA Mulroy toured the Memphis Air National Guard 164th Airlift Wing base today with Colonel Brandon Evans. Members of their Team Memphis invited DA Mulroy inside the cockpit of a C-17 as it was being prepared for takeoff.
Thank you, Colonel Evans, Colonel Brinkley, and Captain Heaston, for the tour and continuing the mission of the 164th Airlift Wing.
CASE OF THE DAY: After a three-day trial, a jury delivered a guilty verdict for John Champion, who faced charges of sexual battery by an authority figure. The charges stemmed from incidents reported in 2019, where Champion was accused of assaulting minors under his supervision.
The State presented multiple witnesses during the trial, including a cell phone expert, to prove its case. In the end, the jury concurred with the evidence and found Champion guilty on all counts.
reported that so far this year, murders are down 21% compared to the same point last year. You can read the story here: https://dailymemphian.com/section/metropublic-safety/article/46231/murders-down-memphis-police-department-murder-crime
This is still not satisfactory. Too many people are dying on our streets, especially from illegal gun violence.
But as your DA, I believe it is important to share the facts with you, and the fact is that law enforcement across the county and the dedicated team in our office are having an impact.
No one thinks we are finished, but we are serious about making Memphis and Shelby County a safer place to live and work.
CASE OF THE DAY: After the State's arguments, a judge found probable cause in the case involving Kiya Moore and her boyfriend, Dejon Smith, who are accused of beating one-year-old Kali Moore to death last month.
According to reports, The couple was babysitting Kali for two days when the incident occurred. Kiya Moore, the child's aunt, and Dejon Smith are charged with first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse, and aggravated child neglect. Reports from Le Bonheur Children's Hospital show that baby Kali sustained multiple skull and neck fractures, a bruised kidney consistent with abdominal trauma, and blood in her lungs.
Both Moore and Smith are being held on a $3 million bond. The case is now set to proceed to the grand jury for indictment.
Chief Prosecutor Gavin Smith talks about one of the biggest misconceptions that the public has about the DA's Office.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Juleon Mumford please call CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County at 901-528-CASH (2274).
Did you know the greatest risk to a child isn’t riding a bus, but approaching or leaving one? Always STOP when the stop arm is out. Remember: it's not just a bus you’re stopping for, it’s a bus full of students.
***This case will now head to the Grand Jury***
Our office remains committed to seeking justice and will promptly present this case to the Grand Jury for an indictment. It's important to point out that when charges are dismissed by the court, it does not mean our office has stopped pursuing the case. We will continue to pursue it vigorously to ensure justice is served.
Briggs will be back in court Thursday morning.
On Wednesday, a press conference was held at Memphis City Hall where U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen, along with Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, announced that our very own Victim/Witness Program will receive a $300,000 grant to ensure safety and provide support for our victims and witnesses.
We would like to thank both Mayor Young and Mayor Harris for their continued support and Congressman Cohen for his hard work on getting the grant!
CASE OF THE DAY: After the State’s arguments, the court found probable cause in the case against Donna Burns for Aggravated Robbery and Aggravated Sexual Battery during a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
The defendant was accused of sexually assaulting a male victim at knifepoint for several minutes, stealing his wallet and $2,000 in cash, and fleeing the scene in her vehicle.
The brief hearing relied solely on the victim's testimony, which was sufficient for the court to determine probable cause for all charges. Burns remains in custody with a bond set at $200,000 as the case moves to the grand jury for indictment.
“Look, I don't really know where we should take this bus. But I know this much: If we get the right people on the bus, the right people in the right seats, and the wrong people off the bus, then we'll figure out how to take it someplace great."
- Jim Collins, author of Good to Great
Just two years into an eight-year term, I am proud of the experienced and committed team that leads the more than 230 employees in our office. We have the right people in the right seats and the results are beginning to show.
Together with law enforcement, local and state leaders, and you we can make Memphis and Shelby County safer and continue to hold offenders accountable.
We would like to give a warm welcome and congratulations to our newest team members and Assistant District Attorneys at the Shelby County District Attorney's Office- Holton Bowling and David Kreher! Holton and David were both sworn in this morning, and we are very excited to have them join us.
CASE OF THE DAY: Today, the state argued for a $1 million bond, and a judge granted the request for Charles Davis, who was arrested last month after police say he threatened to shoot up two Memphis Shelby County Schools. Davis is facing multiple charges, including two counts of making threats of mass violence on school property. The situation began when officers were called to John P. Freeman Optional School following a report that Davis had threatened a staff member. Police apprehended him after a brief foot chase about a mile away, though he no longer had the bag he was initially carrying. Officers later recovered the bag, which contained a handgun.
Later, investigators connected Davis to a homicide that occurred on May 16 near Hillridge Street and Wi******er Road in the Southland Hills area, leading to a charge of first-degree murder.
CASE OF THE DAY: On Thursday, the state was successful in its request to transfer a juvenile to criminal court. The juvenile was facing offenses of especially aggravated robbery, especially aggravated kidnapping (acting in concert), aggravated assault (acting in concert), TOP (MV) 10k-60k (2 counts), vandalism 1k-2.5k, evading arrest, and possession of burglary tools. The offenses stem from an incident where the victim was allegedly robbed and stripped n**e after meeting a woman on a dating app. Reports state that the victim was instructed to meet the woman at a residence where six-seven males appeared from different rooms. He was then stripped of his clothing, robbed, beaten, and forced into the trunk of his car; the victim suffered multiple injuries.
The victim, along with a witness, were both present and testified.
This may be a lot to consume in a social media post on , but there's a lot of important work being done by professional and experienced prosecutors and staff in our office.
Everyone in the DA's office understands that we have much more work to do before we can all begin to feel safer. But our strategy for seeking justice is showing results.
With the continued support of local law enforcement and state government, we will continue to hold and send a message that there are real consequences for committing crimes.
On this Labor Day, I want to offer a special thanks to the men and women in our office with whom I have the privilege of working to serve Memphis and Shelby County.
Great work by Chief Prosecutor Gavin Smith and ADA Alexia Crump in seeking justice for this young victim.
“Although nothing will ever be able to take away the pain that our victim has faced, we are grateful that the members of the jury gave our victim the justice she deserves,” said Chief Prosecutor Gavin Smith, who handled the case along with ADA Alexia Crump. “We are humbled and honored to be able to help hold the defendant accountable on behalf of the people of Shelby County, but most of all, our victim.”
Jose Ruelas was found guilty of r**e of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and in**st after a three-day trial.
CASE OF THE DAY: On Thursday, after three hours of deliberation, the jury returned a guilty verdict of first-degree murder for Michael Lurry. In August of 2022, Lurry killed his girlfriend Toneshia Hardeman, striking and running her over while he was driving her car. Reports state that Lurry dumped the vehicle at a lot, fled on foot, then attempted to carjack a civilian- ultimately stealing a semi-truck from a delivery driver.
Lurry entered a guilty plea to the theft of the semi-truck prior to trial. The state put on 16 witnesses and a stipulation as to the DNA evidence from TBI.
On Monday, DA Mulroy was a guest speaker at Feed The Needys' 30th Anniversary Celebration at Middle Baptist Church in Whitehaven. The DA spoke about how increased food security can increase public safety across our community.
Since its start, Feed The Needy has served as an anchor in the Memphis-Shelby County community, and Monday's celebration showcased its growth and success over the years.
On Monday, DA Mulroy was a guest speaker at Feed The Needys' 30th Anniversary Celebration at Middle Baptist Church in Whitehaven. The DA spoke about how increased food security can increase public safety across our community.
Since its start, Feed The Needy has served as an anchor in the Memphis-Shelby County community, and Monday's celebration showcased its growth and success over the years.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Shane Hontz please call CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County at 901-528-CASH (2274).
This week, DA Mulroy met with Members of "We Fight Monsters", which rehabilitates former felons by providing them housing, substance abuse assistance, job training, and employment options.
CASE OF THE DAY: Today, after hearing the state's argument, a judge set a $1.2 million bond for Demarion Tackett, the teen charged with multiple offenses related to the May 15, 2023, murder of John Materna, a fruit vendor known as the Watermelon Man, during a robbery attempt. Tackett was identified as a suspect by MPD, arrested, and charged.
After posting the bond set by the court, Tackett failed to appear for his June court date. The U.S. Marshals took over the fugitive case and captured Tackett on July 8.
CASE OF THE DAY: The DA’s Office filed a notice of transfer today for the 16-year-old involved in the Hickory Hill crash that killed three people and injured several others. The crash happened on August 20th after police say the teen attempted to evade law enforcement in a stolen car. Reports say that he disregarded a red light and caused the crash that claimed the lives of three women and wounded several others, including a 2-year-old.
The juvenile suspect is facing multiple charges, including three counts of vehicular homicide.
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The decision to request that a juvenile be transferred to adult court is not one our office takes lightly. We consider all the circumstances carefully because of the magnitude of the decision.
In this case, the defendant was involved in an armed robbery, caught with a machine gun, and showed a disregard for human life when while driving at a high rate of speed in traffic, he slammed head-on into another car with three women and a baby.
We have to send a message that being a year or two below the legal age of an adult won't spare one the consequences. We will hold offenders accountable.
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CASE OF THE DAY: After the state's arguments during a preliminary hearing on Monday, a judge determined there was probable cause to proceed with charges against a man accused of aggravated burglary and assault
The state asserted that Anthony Williams is responsible for an October 2022 home invasion and supported their case with a testimony from the victim, who provided a detailed account of the incident.
'WE'RE DISAPPOINTED': Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy expressed disappointment a day after a man was released without bond in a shooting outside of Railgarten earlier this month that left four people injured. He said his office requested a $500K bond and believes the suspected gunman should still be in jail. https://shorturl.at/pZjdc
CASE OF THE DAY: On Thursday a four-day trial was held for Joseph Davis a Memphis man accused of sexually assaulting underage children. There were at least four people that testified against Davis including a Case Officer and a Forensic Interviewer; Davis denied all claims.
On the last day of trial following 2.5 hours of deliberation the jury found Davis guilty on 6 Counts of charges that included: R**e of a Child, Aggravated Sexual Battery, Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of Minor, Especially Aggravated Sexual Exploitation of Minor, Aggravated Sexual Battery, and Aggravated Sexual Battery.
The eyes of the nation are on Memphis. People want to know if there will be justice for Tyre Nichols and his family.
Another important step toward justice for Tyre and his family happened last week when a second former MPD officer pled guilty. There is still more work to be done, but we are grateful that another of those involved in taking Tyre Nichols' life will be punished.
We need our law enforcement officers to fight violent crime and make Memphis safer. But when an officer uses excessive force or violates the law they are sworn to uphold, they and the public must be certain that the officer(s) will be prosecuted with the same vigor as other defendants.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Marcus Bell please call CrimeStoppers of Memphis and Shelby County at 901-528-CASH (2274).
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Chief Prosecutor Gavin Smith talks about one of the biggest misconceptions that the public has about the DA's Office.
There are no categories of crime this DA’s office won’t prosecute. Like all other District Attorneys across the state, our office looks at each case individually to determine if a law has been broken and if the evidence is sufficient to prosecute the case.There is one specific crime - Aggravated Prostitution - we are not currently prosecuting because the Department of Justice says the law creating the crime violates federal law, and they threatened to sue our office. DOJ is already suing the state of Tennessee and the legislature has made some modifications to the law. We determined that focusing our resources on violent crimes, like the ones in our V11 fast-track initiative, was the best use of our limited resources. #publicsafety #stoptheviolence #accountability #Memphis
Press Conference: July 18
Press Conference with DA Mulroy, February 6
Press Conference: December 12
Last week, DA Mulroy was invited to share his expertise and insights as a panelist at a briefing hosted by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. To view the testimony in its entirety, click the link below. https://www.scdag.com/new-blog-1/da-mulroy-provides-testimony-to-us-civil-rights-commission
Press Conference: November 13
Press Conference: October 31
Press Conference: October 17
Press Conference: September 26
September 21 Press Conference
Press conference: September 5
Press Conference: August 22
Press Conference: MPD and the DA’s Office joined forces for ‘Operation Broken Bottles’ leading to the indictment of 15 suspects believed to be involved in a string of ‘smash-and-grab’ burglaries.
Thank you to the best DA staff here on Earth, for the early surprise birthday celebration!
Special thanks to Senator Raumesh Akbari for recognizing me on the Senate floor.
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