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While our office works daily in cooperation with the federal task force that has occupied much of the news, the regular work of the DA office continues. We recently successfully completed two high-profile trials of serious crimes which I’d like to highlight.
Last week, a jury found Brandon Isabelle guilty on all counts for the murders of Danielle Hoyle and her newborn daughter, Kennedy Hoyle. Testimony showed Isabelle lured Danielle Hoyle, shot her, and then threw the infant’s body into the Mississippi River. Although Kennedy’s body was never recovered, prosecutors Eric Christensen and Dru Carpenter presented physical evidence, digital data, and witness testimony proving the case as to both victims.
The verdict followed nearly two weeks of testimony from more than two dozen witnesses. Isabelle was sentenced to Life in prison. Family members, including Danielle’s mother, attended and testified about the impact of the crime.
Just before that, a jury found Daireus Ice guilty on all counts for the kidnapping and rape of a 4-year old girl. The facts were horrific, something that prosecutors Lessie Rainey and Devon Dennis characterized to the jury as “every parent’s nightmare.” Ice recruited co-defendant Antoine Wilson, who pled guilty and testified against Ice, to abduct and assault the child, which the defendants videotaped. Sentencing for Ice is forthcoming.
Our prosecutors and support staff do the hard work to prepare these trials and obtain justice for our victims. That took place before the federal ‘surge,’ and will continue afterward.
Memphis Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Officer Joseph McKinney’s Death: Nineteen-year-old Devaron Taylor was sentenced today to 18 years for his role in the April 2024 confrontation that killed Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney.
Ballistics showed the fatal shot didn’t come from Taylor’s weapon, but the State argued that his decision to open fire on officers triggered the exchange that caused Officer McKinney’s death. Taylor, then 17, fired a weapon after officers approached a stolen vehicle. Officer McKinney moved a fellow officer out of the line of fire, saving her life but losing his own.
Taylor was convicted of Facilitation of Second-Degree Murder, Aggravated Assault, and multiple counts of Reckless Aggravated Assault, all running concurrently for a total of 18 years.
Chief Prosecutors Matthew Ian John & Melanie Headley handled the hearing.
Bond Increased After Defendant Arrested on New Charges While Out on Release: Defendant Antonio Jones appeared in court Monday for a bond hearing after being charged with Aggravated Robbery while already out on bond for multiple theft and burglary charges.
Assistant District Attorney Brittany Neal successfully argued that Jones posed a continued risk to public safety given the nature of his new offense and his ongoing criminal activity. The Judge raised his bond following the hearing. Jones remains in custody on bond as the case proceeds.
Jones is accused of participating in a string of car thefts in East Memphis in May and June, including the theft of a woman’s Lexus while she unloaded groceries and a 2022 Mazda from a nearby driveway. Police recovered items from the victims’ vehicles inside Jones’s home in the 2600 block of Burns Avenue.
Jones is also charged in connection with the armed robbery of a man on July 27 at Marianna Street and Park Avenue. During the robbery, the victim said a group of males pointed guns at him, stole cash and property totaling over $2,000, and threatened him.
Additional charges against Jones include theft of a firearm and evading arrest in a June incident.
ADA Brittany Neal is handling the hearing.
Bonds Increased in Hotel Invasion Case Following Probable Cause Hearing: Assistant District Attorney Shaun Schielke successfully argued a preliminary hearing in General Sessions Court 9 before Commissioner Michelle Best against defendants Cameran Bonds and Camarion Galison on charges of especially aggravated burglary and criminal attempt: first-degree murder stemming from an August 11 hotel invasion.
After hearing victim testimony and reviewing video evidence, Commissioner Best found probable cause. Due to the severity of the crimes, strong evidence, and prior convictions, the court increased the bonds for both defendants. Bonds faces multiple felony charges with lengthy potential sentences, and co-defendant Galison, a first-time offender, also had his bond increased.
Both defendants were additionally involved in a separate crime spree, robbing seven individuals across four incidents in the South Main Arts District. Those cases are scheduled for preliminary hearings on October 24.
ADA Shaun Schielke handled the hearing.
DA Mulroy Appears on Action News 5’s “A Better Memphis”
 DA Mulroy pictured with Action News 5's Kym Clark
On Thursday, DA Mulroy appeared on Action News 5’s “A Better Memphis,” where he discussed the growing number of cases moving through the court system as the Memphis Safe Task Force concluded Day 11 of its mission.
Click here to watch the full interview.
ADA Scot Bearup Named Youth Court Outstanding Attorney of the Year
Congratulations to Assistant District Attorney Scot Bearup, who was recognized as the Youth Court Outstanding Attorney of the Year for 2025. This honor highlights his dedication to serving young people and his commitment to justice within our community.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Standing Together to Prevent Abuse
 October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office is committed to supporting survivors, holding offenders accountable, and working to keep our community safe.
Preventing domestic violence starts with all of us. A few important steps include:
• Recognizing the warning signs of abuse. Whether physical, emotional, financial, or psychological.
• Speaking up when you suspect abuse and encouraging victims to seek help.
• Strengthening support networks so no one feels isolated.
• Promoting respect, healthy communication, and nonviolent conflict resolution in relationships.
By raising awareness and taking action together, we can help break the cycle of abuse.
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
 From September 15 to October 15, we honor Hispanic and Latino communities for their rich history, culture, and contributions. Their traditions, leadership, and achievements continue to strengthen and enrich Shelby County and our nation.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
 The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office stands with survivors, patients, and families affected by breast cancer. Awareness and early detection save lives—and every step toward education and prevention strengthens our community.
A few important reminders:
• Schedule regular screenings. Early detection is key to better outcomes.
• Know your risk factors. Family history, age, and lifestyle can all play a role.
• Talk with your doctor. Don’t delay care or dismiss unusual changes.
• Support someone going through treatment. A simple act of kindness or encouragement makes a difference.
Together, we can continue to raise awareness, promote prevention, and support those on the journey to recovery.
“You know, I’ve said in the past that...if we have to have National Guard, it would be great if they could help with blight remediation. We certainly have a blight problem in Memphis, and there’s a definite link between blight and crime,” said Mulroy. |How is the county D.A. handling cases amid arrest surge?| via WREG3
“If your message doesn’t work with one legislative tribunal, try another..."Last week, Taylor took his vendetta against Mulroy before the Judiciary Committee of the U. S. Senate...Apprised of the development, Mulroy scoffed at Taylor’s claim, noting that violent crime had spiked under his Republican predecessor ...and had eased during his tenure. Fellow Democrats in Washington backed Mulroy — like New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, who said, ‘The pretext for this hearing is a farce. It’s belied by the evidence.’ What’s next for Taylor? The United Nations?" |Facts, Fancies, and Forebodings| via The Memphis Flyer
DA Mulroy says he’s now focused on the surge of court cases stemming from the federal surge in Memphis...The impact on the Shelby County DA’s Office, according to Mulroy, has been “significant.” He said his staff has 52% more felony cases and 30% more misdemeanor cases to handle this week versus the week before the Memphis Safe Task Force started working. |DA: Felony cases up 52% in first week of Memphis Safe Task Force| via WMC5
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