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The killing of any person is a tragedy, but particularly so when the victim is a first responder ready to risk his life to save others. That was the case with defendant Maurice Yarbrough. While intoxicated, he ran a red light and struck a fire truck responding to an emergency, killing a 30-year veteran firefighter and injuring three others.
This was not an intentional murder, and so did not warrant decades of incarceration. But there must be accountability when someone’s life has been taken by reckless conduct. These competing concerns played out in this case. An original proposal for settlement of the case with an 8-year sentence was met with understandable concern by the victim’s family and the injured firefighters. Our office heard that concern and took that into account.
The views of victims are always considered, but victims can never get a veto. Ultimately, it’s the responsibility of a prosecutor to represent the people overall, and the interests of justice overall, balancing one case against many others. Still, victims’ views must be given great weight.
In this case, I think the proper balance was struck. The parties agreed to a 12-year sentence, which the defendant will serve 100% of. Prosecutors met with the family and firefighters, who expressed their support for the resolution.
This case was clearly a tragedy for all involved, including the defendant. Let’s all hope that Shelby Countians will exercise more care when driving, and let’s pray for the safety of our first responders.
Defendant Sentenced to 12 Years for Aggravated Sexual Battery of Minor: Assistant District Attorneys Dru Carpenter and Nicole Germain successfully prosecuted the case of Defendant Kenneth Caples Jr. who pled guilty to Aggravated Sexual Battery and received a 12-year sentence to be served at 100%. Upon release, he will be on community supervision for life and must register as a violent sex offender.
The case involved the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old acquaintance during the summer and fall of 2021. Investigators determined that Caples, who was 21 at the time, groomed the young victim. Her parents contacted police after discovering inappropriate text messages between the two.
ADAs Dru Carpenter & Nicole Germain handled the case.
Guns Found During Arrest Lead to Probable Cause Ruling in Felon Firearm Case: Assistant District Attorney Annika Rush successfully argued a preliminary hearing in General Sessions Court for Defendant Marlon Wiggins, who faces charges of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Violation of an Order of Protection.
General Sessions Court Judge Gilbert found probable cause on all charges, and the case now moves to the grand jury for further consideration.
Wiggins was arrested by the Memphis Safe Taskforce, which includes members of the FBI, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and the Memphis Police Department Organized Crime Unit. During the arrest, officers testified that they found two firearms in plain view.
ADA Annika Rush handled the hearing.
Plea Agreement Reached in Fatal Firefighter Crash Case: After extensive negotiations, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office reached a new plea agreement in the case of State v. Maurice Yarbrough, stemming from the 2022 crash that killed 30-year veteran firefighter David Pleasant and injured three others.
Assistant District Attorney Shannon Mason worked closely with the victim’s family and injured firefighters to secure a revised plea recommending a 12-year sentence—a stronger outcome than the original eight-year settlement which had been proposed, which offer that had raised concerns among those impacted. The family and firefighters have reviewed and supported the resolution.
Investigators said Yarbrough ran a red light on August 10, 2022, while driving intoxicated and struck a fire truck responding to an emergency. The collision killed Pleasant and injured three others.
ADA Shannon Mason handled the case.
DA Mulroy Addresses National Conference on Truancy and Dropout Prevention
District Attorney Steve Mulroy delivered the keynote address at the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention conference held this week at the Westin Hotel in downtown Memphis.
School officials from across the country gathered to discuss strategies to keep students engaged and in school. DA Mulroy spoke about the importance of school attendance, its link to youth crime, and efforts to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline
DA Mulroy Speaks at Inter-Faith Clergy Advisory Group Meeting
  District Attorney Steve Mulroy spoke Thursday at the Inter-Faith Clergy Advisory Group meeting, hosted by Impact Church and Pastor Michael Ellis.
He provided updates on the ongoing Federal Task Force and noted that most cases will continue to be prosecuted by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, with some handled federally. Clergy present expressed concerns about the impact that the surge was having on the community and the local court system. DA Mulroy discussed efforts to address jail overcrowding, including discussions exploring the notion of a “Night Court.”
To thank our office for its participation in the annual “Faith & Blue” weekend co-sponsored by MPD and local clergy, including a Faith & Blue expungement clinic, they presented DA Mulroy with a personalized thermos.
Hamilton Middle School Kicks Off the 2025–2026 “Do the Write Thing” Essay Challenge
Hamilton Middle School faculty and staff with Reginald Milton of the County Office of Youth Services (second from left); DA Office Victim Witness Coordinator Natasha Burnett (third from left); and Assoc. Deputy DA Ernest Brooks.
Associate Deputy District Attorney Ernest Brooks and Victim/Witness Coordinator Dr. Natasha Burnett visited Hamilton Middle School to help launch this year’s Do the Write Thing Essay Challenge.
The Do the Write Thing program gives middle school students a platform to reflect on the causes and impact of youth violence — and to share their ideas for making their schools and communities safer through thoughtful essays and discussions.
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.
District Attorney Steve Mulroy commented on the resolution, stating, “Any killing is a tragedy, but particularly so when the victim is a first responder ready to risk his life to save others. We believe this resolution strikes a good balance between meaningful accountability for reckless conduct while avoiding the uncertainties of a trial. We deeply appreciate the courage shown by the firefighter’s family and the injured colleagues in engaging with our office. Their voice matters — and it helped shape the outcome.” |Man pleads guilty to running red light, killing Memphis firefighter| via WMC5
The case of a man who was found with firearms during a Memphis Safe Task Force arrest is headed to a Grand Jury, according to the Shelby County District Attorney's Office. The DA's office said Tuesday that two firearms were in "plain view" during Marlon Wiggins' arrest. It was not immediately known when and where Wiggins was arrested. |Case of man found with firearms during Memphis task force arrest heads to Grand Jury, DA's office says| via FOX13
Memphis's protest, organized by Indivisible Memphis, featured remarks from elected officials such as Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy and Representative Justin J. Pearson. More than 2,500 demonstrations were planned across the country, including in Atlanta, Seattle, Dallas, and Washington, D.C. |Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy speaks at No Kings Protest in Memphis| via ABC24
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