Shelby County District Attorney’s Office Observes Domestic Violence Awareness Month; Highlights Specialized Unit and Cases
(Shelby County, TN)—As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence in our community.
According to recent data from the Memphis-Shelby Crime Commission, while overall crime is trending downward, domestic violence has increased by 2% in Shelby County. Disturbingly, Black women are significantly more likely to experience intimate partner violence and are three times more likely than their white counterparts to be murdered as a result. Studies attribute this disparity to systemic issues, including socioeconomic factors, limited access to resources, and historical inequities in the criminal justice and social services systems.
In response to this alarming reality, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office remains resolute in supporting survivors through our specialized Domestic Violence Unit. This dedicated team of prosecutors has handled over 4,100 domestic violence cases so far in 2024, including eight homicides. Of the 11 cases that went to trial, 10 resulted in guilty convictions.
Today, we spotlight the essential work of our Domestic Violence Unit, share the stories of key cases, and highlight the partnerships we have built with community organizations to provide comprehensive support to survivors that extends beyond prosecution. Together, we are working to address the complex needs of survivors and reduce the prevalence of domestic violence in our community.
Case Spotlights: Justice for Victims of Domestic Violence
Julian Summers
In December 2021, Julian Summers murdered his partner, Bruce Jeffries, by hitting him in the head with a hammer and decapitating him. He then attempted to dispose of the body in a suitcase. Summers was convicted in February 2024 of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. He was sentenced to life with the possibility of parole, with an additional two years for abuse of a corpse.
Ladarrin Cezar
In September 2022, Ladarrin Cezar murdered his girlfriend, Kiara Cooper, by shooting her in front of her mother. Cezar was convicted as charged of second-degree murder at trial in May 2024 and sentenced to 25 years, the maximum for second-degree murder.
Roemello Cash
In July 2022, Roemello Cash murdered Timothy Pinkins, the new boyfriend of his ex-girlfriend, Cantricia Isom. After locating the couple in Isom’s apartment, Cash chased Pinkins through the apartment and parking lot, shooting him multiple times. Cash pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 40 years at 100%.
Building a Support Network for Survivors: Partnering Agencies
To provide holistic support for domestic violence survivors, our office works closely with the following community organizations:
The Family Safety Center: Based on a nationally-recognized model, this multi-agency center provides crucial services and support to victims of intimate partner violence and their children.
The Memphis Crime Victims and Rape Crisis Center: Offers counseling, victim advocacy, and medical documentation of injuries caused by domestic violence.
The Tennessee Department of Children’s Services: Works with victims of domestic violence and their children through the Child Welfare/Domestic Violence Liaisons program using the Safe and Together model.
Love Doesn’t Hurt: Provides resources for victims of domestic violence who are part of the LGBTQ community.
Casa Luz: Offers support to Spanish-speaking victims of domestic violence.
For Help: Domestic Violence Hotline
In Shelby County, the Family Safety Center operates a 24-hour domestic violence hotline for confidential support and connections to local services. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call (901) 222-4400.