Tyre Nichols Case
Many of you have been contacting us for updates on the Tyre Nichols case. I’m proud of my city for its nonviolent response to the release of the video. That’s due to the graciousness of Tyre’s mother, Mrs. Wells, and also to the swift but thorough action my dedicated staff made in charging those directly responsible for his tragic death. As nationally prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump said on CNN, the way we all handled this tragedy is “a blueprint for the rest of the nation.”
I’ve gotten numerous emails from Shelby County and around the country calling for justice for Tyre, as well as for comprehensive police reform. We will prosecute those responsible. We will also work with government officials and advocates on reforms that can help to prevent tragedies like this from recurring. That includes, among other things, addressing the use of pretextual stops; greater transparency and recordkeeping of stops; and a reevaluation of the use of specialized units like the SCORPION unit. It also includes support for measures provided for in the George Floyd Act, CLERB reform, and other initiatives.
|
Violent Crime
I have also received numerous emails over the past few weeks from citizens concerned about the recent spate of crime in our community. I am reading them, I am paying attention, and I share your outrage and concern. In fact, violent crime has been steadily rising for a decade, making us No. 1 in the country in the last two years. That's why I ran. I love this town and want to see the crime rates drop so people can feel safe. Many of you have asked how I plan to make the city a better place to live:
- I have told my prosecutors to refocus on violent crime and deemphasize things that matter less, like marijuana possession, and being late on fines and fees.
- I've issued new guidelines on Nonfatal Shootings. No longer will Aggravated Assaults and the like be dropped for reasons such as "victim uncooperative," or "witness unavailable.”
- I've established a Cold Case Unit in partnership with the MPD. We know that a small percentage of repeat violent offenders are responsible for a large percentage of violent crimes. By solving these Cold Cases, we can keep repeat violent offenders off the streets.
These are just some of the things our office is doing. I remain open to input from concerned citizens like you.
Working with State Officials
This month, I visited Capitol Hill in Nashville with our Grants Coordinator Nelia Dempsey. I met with lawmakers, including Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton and local friends like Representative John Gillespie and Senators Raumesh Akbari and Brent Taylor. I addressed the Shelby County Delegation at their weekly lunch. We discussed pending bills on initiatives that I support such as Blended Sentencing, as well as funding opportunities for the office. As you may imagine, not every legislator in Nashville agrees with me on all points; however, our discussions were positive and productive, and the channel is now open for them to continue in future. Pictured right: DA Mulroy’s friend Sen. Brent Taylor jokes around in his office with the DA.
|
Continuing to Build the Team
More dedicated prosecutors who share my vision of criminal justice reform have joined our staff. Alicia Washington is now Chief Prosecutor in Juvenile Court. Mrs. Washington has more than 14 years of experience practicing law, and has worked for more than a decade as an advocate in Juvenile Court for children and families. Just in January and February this year, more than 10 new ADAs have started work, with even more starting in March. These attorneys bring wide-ranging professional experience, and they bring our office closer to better representing our diverse community. Pictured right: Deputy Assoc. DA Ernest Brooks with DA Mulroy and new hire Alicia Washington.
|
New Bail Hearings
As a part of the landmark bail reform efforts that were authorized by the Shelby County Commission shortly before I took office, the new Bail Hearing Room is up and running. As always, it’s the judge (not our office) that sets bail and decides whether a defendant will be held in jail pending trial. But the new procedure affords a hearing where there was none before—within 72 hours of arrest. Bail amounts will no longer be set arbitrarily, but will instead be based on a detailed review of the defendant’s finances to decide what is an affordable amount. The court can still keep a defendant in jail awaiting trial, but—consistent with TN law and the Constitution—only if it appears the defendant is a danger to the community or a flight risk.
The hearing room will be staffed by an Assistant District Attorney and Victim Witness Coordinator from our office. Where we believe the defendant is a public safety risk, we will argue for pretrial detention.
|
Stay safe and thank you for your support,
 Steve Mulroy
District Attorney
|
