The council’s monthly crime update from Memphis Police brass could be more than a regular check-in. Last week’s violence has renewed a long-running civic discussion. And it has moved swiftly to questions about the criminal justice system.
ShotSpotter was installed as part of test in Memphis last year, but a lawsuit out of Chicago claims the gunshot detection system isn’t as effective as advertised.
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation says MPD should have acted more aggressively to solve the 2021 assault; DNA analysis was completed a few days after the disappearance of Eliza Fletcher. Eliza Fletcher’s alleged killer investigated in 2021 for rapeRelated story:
In September 2021, a woman told police Cleotha Abston abducted and raped her at gunpoint, yet Abston remained free until he was arrested earlier this week for Eliza Fletcher’s murder.
Corteria Wright, who died in a shooting Wednesday night, was not killed by Ezekiel Kelly, the 19-year-old accused of going on a city-wide shooting spree.Related story:
Former Shelby County District Attorney Amy Weirich talked to The Daily Memphian about the 2020 plea deal for Ezekiel Kelly that Gov. Bill Lee called an example of “soft-on-crime plea deals.” Gov. Lee calls for changes in plea deals during Memphis visitRelated story:
Carlson characterized Lee as soft on crime in a monologue against criminal justice reform, which, he claimed, “means letting violent people out of prison early.”
Corteria Wright, 17, was killed Wednesday during the shooting rampage, but at the hands of a different killer.
The former principal court clerk was fired two years ago for taking nearly $62,000 in cash from evidence boxes starting in 2018. He was indicted on the criminal charges last month.
Gov. Bill Lee was in Memphis Friday, Sept. 9, touting stricter laws targeting violent repeat offenders passed during his tenure.
Ezekiel Kelly was arrested late Wednesday after allegedly killing three and injuring three others in a day-long shooting spree, some of which was streamed to Facebook Live. A tally of terror: 6 shot, 3 dead in gunman’s daylong, cross-city rampageRelated stories:
Leaders of the local Justice and Safety Alliance talked about the week of violence that has shaken the city on “Behind The Headlines.” Police find no threats to the public despite various reportsRelated story:
With Memphians jumpy after Wednesday night’s deadly shooting spree, MPD responded to multiple calls from the public about violent activity, but found no credible threats.
Three of the victims of alleged mass shooter Ezekiel Kelly, 19, have been identified. Jackson Avenue vigil hosts prayers, praise to honor victims of shooting spreeRelated story:
The public defender assigned to the case had asked during a hearing Wednesday to be recused.Related stories:
The consulting company will work with the department for three months to help devise strategies and best practices for recruiting.
The person believed to be responsible for all of these shootings is Ezekiel Kelly, a man who was released early from a three-year sentence fewer than six months ago.Related stories:
According to the Tennessee Department of Correction, one Ezekiel Kelly was released March 16, 2022.
According to the Shelby County Criminal Justice System Portal, Ezekiel Kelly is wanted for first-degree murder on a warrant that was issued Wednesday, Sept. 7.
Reports link him to charges occurring as far back as age 11.Related story:
The Shelby County Commission that took office this month has three judicial commissioners to appoint. It’s part of a chain reaction from the dozens of judicial races decided on the August ballot.
A judge ordered the $500,000 bond for the suspect in the abduction and slaying of Eliza Fletcher to be revoked pending a bond hearing during arraignment Wednesday, Sept. 7.
More than 2,000 women have expressed an interest in a Friday morning run to honor Eliza Fletcher. Here’s what you need to know.
The incident occurred at the Target at 7989 U.S. 64 across the street from Wolfchase Galleria.
Reaction on social media also centered on women feeling safe to run and exercise at any time of the day.