Shelby County DA's Office Provides Significant Updates in Officer-Involved Shooting

Shelby County-TN—Today, District Attorney Mulroy officially declined to pursue criminal charges against any of the MPD officers present during the tragic death of MPD Officer Joseph McKinney on April 12. Following a swift yet thorough review conducted by our Justice Review Unit, DA Mulroy concurred with their findings that the officers' use of force was justified. They were responding to gunfire directed at them, presenting a clear and immediate threat to their lives. Given these circumstances, their actions were deemed both reasonable and justified. We would also like to thank the officers at TBI for their speedy and diligent investigation to date.

In a separate development today, our office has amended charges for the 17-year-old individual present at the scene on April 12. In addition to the previously announced charges, we are now adding Second Degree Murder and Reckless Homicide charges in connection with Officer McKinney's death. Second Degree Murder involves a knowing killing and is classified as a Class A Felony, carrying a potential sentence of 15-25 years. Reckless Homicide involves the reckless killing of another and carries a potential sentence of 2-4 years. The additional charges—with the application of consecutive sentencing—could result in the individual facing a cumulative sentence exceeding 300 years. 

“Let me be clear about this,” said DA Mulroy.“There is only one person responsible for the death of Officer McKinney, and that’s the person we’re charging. We intend to prosecute this case vigorously.  This kind of abhorrent violent behavior is intolerable. Those who commit it will face serious consequences. We’re determined to see that justice is done in this case.”
This investigation, conducted by the TBI, is still active and ongoing.