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This is our last weekly newsletter before Thanksgiving, so it’s appropriate to reflect on what we’ve got to be thankful for. I can think of several things to mention over next week’s turkey dinner.
First, I’m thankful that crime continues to trend downward. It’s still too high, and we need to keep noses to grindstones to push those trendlines further down. But according to the Memphis & Shelby County Crime Commission, overall crime is down 16% so far this year compared to the corresponding period in 2024. Major violent crime is down 21%; property crime, 23%.
This isn’t a fluke: we’ve seen double-digit percentage decreases across crime categories for the last 7 quarters. And this was the case before the federal task force started its work at the beginning of October. Since then, that downward trend line has gotten even steeper.
That federal task force has substantially increased the caseload of our office. Daily General Sessions Court dockets are up about 50%. We’ve started to see significant rises in other areas as well. We’re reassigning prosecutors from regular duty to Traffic Court duty to deal with the deluge of traffic cases soon to hit our court.
But, our staff has stepped up to the challenge, handling the flow professionally and without complaint, while still handling the regular, non-task-force cases as well. To deal with jail overcrowding, several of my prosecutors worked two evenings and one weekend day at the Jail to screen cases. Many more have expressed a willingness to help out with Night Court, Saturday Court, a Warrants Clinic, or any other after-hours work which may come up. I’m thankful for their professional, can-do spirit.
And their work in these cases is top-notch. Just this week, our office secured a conviction and a 147-year-sentence in the case of Brandon Isabelle, who murdered his girlfriend and fatally threw their newborn infant daughter into the river. Earlier this month, we secured a first-degree murder conviction against Leondre Clark for killing the mother of his children. The day before that, a murder conviction against Robert Collins, who killed his landlord over a rent dispute.
These are just a few examples of the thousands of cases our staff prosecutes every year.
I’m thankful for all these things, along with the privilege of serving Shelby County as its DA. Despite Shelby’s challenges, there’s no place I’d rather be.
Brandon Isabelle Sentenced to 147 Years for 2022 Murders of Danielle and Kennedy Hoyle: Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen along with Assistant District Attorney's Rob Steele and Dru Carpenter secured a sentence of 147 years in prison for Brandon Isabelle, who in 2022 killed Danielle Hoyle and her two-day-old daughter, Kennedy, in a case that drew national attention.
Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Johnson ordered 51-year consecutive sentences for the murders of Danielle and Kennedy, totaling 102 years. The court added 22.5 years for Aggravated Child Neglect and 22.5 years for Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, bringing Isabelle’s total sentence to 147 years. Prosecutors noted the symbolic significance of the additional 22.5-year sentences, representing one year for every hour Kennedy was alive.
Isabelle was tried last month, and a Shelby County jury found him guilty on all counts.
Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen, ADA Rob Steele, & ADA Dru Carpenter handled the case.
Suspect In Wolfchase Mall Homicide Case To Remain In Custody: Criminal Court Judge Taylor Bachelor revoked the bond of Yahir Mejia who was already out on bond for a separate theft of property case. The defendant waived his bond hearing during Wednesday’s arraignment.
Mejia faces a new charge of Second-Degree Murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Erik Sandoval inside the Wolfchase Galleria Mall.
A status report is scheduled for November 24, 2025, when the defense will inform the court whether they plan to request a mental health evaluation or proceed with scheduling a preliminary hearing.
Memphis Police reported that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between Mejia and Sandoval. According to court records, Mejia told investigators that he was shopping at Village Mart when Sandoval approached him and his girlfriend. Mejia said he was punched in the face, then fired three shots at Sandoval. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage, which did not support Mejia’s claim of self-defense.
Police arrested 22-year-old Mejia after a brief foot chase. Members of the Memphis Safe Task Force coordinated with Mejia’s mother when he returned home. During the chase, Mejia posted a live video on Facebook stating he planned to turn himself in and claimed the shooting was in self-defense.
Suspect Set For In-Custody Mental Evaluation in Fatal Child Abuse Case: Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen and Assistant District Attorney Dru Carpenter are handling the case for Dominica Mosby, charged with First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Child Abuse, and Aggravated Child Neglect in the death of three-year-old Kevin Horton.
Mosby’s case was reset to December 11 for a mental evaluation, and she will remain in custody without bond.
The medical examiner ruled Horton’s death a homicide, citing severe internal injuries, bruising, and burns. Investigators said Mosby admitted to repeatedly assaulting the child, including burning him, stomping on his stomach, and striking his torso and chest.
If convicted, Mosby could face life in prison.
Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen & ADA Dru Carpenter are handling the case.
DA Mulroy Participates in Annual Mental Health Town Hall
 DA Mulroy spoke at the annual Mental Health Town Hall sponsored by the local chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Panelists, including County Mayor Lee Harris, discussed mental health challenges in the justice system.
DA Mulroy Supports Community at Chili Cookoff Benefiting Merge Memphis
 (Pictured clockwise from left) Darcy Thomas of Fox 13; DA Steve Mulroy; Michael Adrian Davis of 88.5 FM The Voice of MSCS; CID Tom Warrick; Michelle McLaughlin of the Bank of Bartlett;); Sherry McClure, Merge Memphis Founder and Director (bottom right); and India Brown, Merge Memphis Marketing Director.
DA Mulroy stopped by to support Criminal Investigator Tom Warrick of our office, along with others, at the Chili Cookoff to support Merge Memphis, a nonprofit that provides housing and wraparound services for homeless women.
Criminal Investigators Take Part in TLEOTA Statewide Training
 Our Criminal Investigators, Marty Tartera and Joe Poindexter, attended the Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Training Association conference.
This statewide training brings together officers from across Tennessee to collaborate, enhance their skills, and share critical information. Instructors from multiple agencies receive “train-the-trainer” instruction, preparing them to lead training within their own departments while staying current on legal updates and best practices.
Join Us for the Annual Season of Remembrance
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office invites you to join District Attorney Steve Mulroy in honoring the memory of Shelby County’s homicide victims at our Annual Season of Remembrance ceremony.
The event will take place on Monday, December 1, 2025, at the University of Memphis Michael D. Rose Theater (470 University, Memphis, TN).
Check-in and reception begin at 5:30 p.m., with the ceremony starting at 6:00 p.m.
Free parking will be available at the Zach Curlin Garage (505 Zach Curlin St.), located next to the theater.
Together, we remember, reflect, and honor those we have lost.
Shelby County D.A. Steve Mulroy said, “These awards reinforce what we already see from day-to-day operations — the West Tennessee Violent Crime and Drug Task Force is performing at a top level not only in Tennessee, but nationwide. This team is taking narcotics, illegal weapons, and high-risk offenders out of circulation with precision, strategy, and measurable results. Their work reflects the kind of coordinated, focused approach we value in Shelby County, and we’re proud to stand with a team that delivers meaningful results, not just activity. Congrats to all involved.” |West TN Violent Crime & Drug Task Force Criminal Interdiction Unit recognized as top in the state| via WBBJ7
“We and the family are very pleased with today’s sentence, which reflects the heinous nature of the crimes perpetrated against two cherished members of our community,” said. Chief Prosecutor Eric Christensen. “Danielle and Kennedy deserved protection, love, and life. Today’s sentence honors their memory and reinforces our commitment to pursuing justice for the most vulnerable.” |Isabelle sentenced to 147 years for murder of girlfriend, baby| via WREG3
[DA Office Prosecutor] Gavin Smith is the newest alderman in Millington. Smith was appointed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Monday following the death of Alderman Mike Carruthers in September after nearly two decades on the board. |New alderman appointed after death of Millington alderman| via WMC5
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