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Public safety isn’t just about prosecuting crime. It’s also about preventing accidents and keeping people healthy. As we brace for what we’re being told will be a severe storm, it’s a good time to refresh ourselves on some Ice/Snow Storm Safety Tips.
Obviously, listen for forecasts and alerts, and limit travel when possible. If you must travel, slow down, leave extra space between vehicles, and take extra care on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first.
Use 911 only for true emergencies—where life or serious injury is at stake. If you’re power goes out, call MLGW at (901) 544-6500; if you’ve got concerns about road clearage, call your city Public Works Dept. Memphis’ number is (901) 636-6500. If you want info about emergency shelters, call (901) 730-1736.
Prevent frozen pipes. Allow faucets to drip slightly during extreme cold and open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around plumbing.
If you can, salt your sidewalks, walkways, and driveways before the storm hits. Use a light coating—overcoating can cause ice to melt overnight and refreeze before dawn, making things worse.
Check your vehicle for proper gas and oil, and make sure you have a window scraper and flashlight.
Check on vulnerable neighbors. The elderly and disabled may need special attention. Be a good neighbor.
Protect pets. Bring animals indoors. Be a good pet owner.
Finally, one other strong recommendation I have. We don’t get snow much anymore in Memphis. It’s not just a bother—it’s a treat. If we are blessed with snow, make sure you do at least one of these things:
- Make a snowman
- Go sledding
- Make a snow angel
- Have a snowball fight
If you can, enjoy your Winter Wonderland. But do it in safety.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Attempted First-Degree Murder in Shooting of Pregnant Woman: Assistant District Attorney Tyler Schembri successfully handled the case of Jerome Walker, who on Wednesday, January 14, pled guilty to Criminal Attempt: First-Degree Murder. Criminal Court sentenced Walker to 15 years at 100% in the Tennessee Department of Corrections.
The case stems from an August 2023 incident at an apartment gathering. Walker became upset with the victim over personal matters and left the apartment. Approximately 30 minutes later, he returned armed with a handgun. Walker approached the victim in a hallway and fired multiple shots at close range. The victim was three months pregnant at the time. Both the victim and her unborn baby survived the attack. During the investigation, Walker admitted to police that he had been planning to kill someone since 2008 and specifically intended to kill the victim that night.
ADA Tyler Schembri handled the case.
DA’s Office Holds Repeat Offender Accountable After Dangerous High-Speed Chase: Assistant District Attorney Shaun Schielke is prosecuting Keymon Bledsoe on a probation violation and new felony charges stemming from a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve.
Bledsoe previously pled guilty in 2024 to robbery, possession of a firearm with a Glock switch, and multiple vehicle thefts. His eight-year sentence was probated over the State’s objection.
Twelve days after his release, Bledsoe evaded a traffic stop initiated by Memphis Police, prompting the Tennessee Highway Patrol to pursue him. Officers recovered firearms, including one equipped with a machine conversion device (“Glock switch”). He now faces charges including evading arrest, possession of a Glock switch, resisting arrest, reckless driving, and multiple traffic violations.
To ensure Bledsoe remains in custody, our office filed a bond motion on January 2 asking the court to increase his bond to $300,000. Ultimately, Judge Montesi issued a $500,000 bench warrant. The DA’s Office also expedited a warrant on a probation violation, which the Criminal Court judge signed on January 7. No bond is set on the probation violation.
By filing the probation violation, our office is ensuring Bledsoe remains in custody until both his new case and the probation matter are resolved.
ADA Shaun Schielke is handling the case.
Preliminary Hearing Sends Homicide Case to Grand Jury: Assistant District Attorney Jack Gould successfully handled the preliminary hearing for Courtney Douglas, who faces charges of First-Degree Murder, Employing a Firearm with Intent to Commit a Felony, and Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The case stems from a December 8, 2025, shooting in which Douglas intended to kill a man he believed was involved with his girlfriend. Witness Sieg Ransom said Douglas fired at Ransom’s car, but tragically struck Christopher Carruthers, killing him. Douglas shot Carruthers five times.
Thanks to testimony elicited by ADA Gould from Memphis Police officers and Ransom, the court held the case to the State as charged. Douglas remains in custody without bond and has two other matters pending in General Sessions 12 and Criminal Court 5.
ADA Jack Gould handled the hearing.
Honoring Dr. King: Shelby County DA’s Office Observes MLK Day
Weather was chilly, but hearts were warm as members of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office participated in several events honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. DA Mulroy’s day began at 8 a.m. with the Teamsters/Alpha Phi Alpha/Memphis For All rally, followed by the March, the bell-ringing ceremony at 2nd & G.E. Patterson, and the “Memphis Men Rising” service at Centenary United Methodist Church.
A special highlight was seeing the March join the high school marching band. ADDA Ernest Brooks also attended the 35th Annual LeMoyne-Owen MLK Day Prayer Breakfast. Members of our office were proud to participate alongside community leaders in honoring Dr. King’s legacy of service, justice, and community.
 District Attorney Steve Mulroy began the day at 8 a.m. by attending a downtown rally, hosted by Memphis For All, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the local Teamsters 167 chapter.
 DA Mulroy pictured with TN State Rep. Gabby Silinas (left) .
 DA Mulroy took part in the annual MLK March, joining the community to honor Dr. King’s legacy and reflect on his impact.
 ADDA Ernest Brooks and Representative Jesse Chism during the 35th Annual LeMoyne-Owen MLK Day Prayer Breakfast.
“Our Justice Review Unit, assisted by the Tennessee Innocence Project, did a thorough investigation. Our office has now concluded that Andrew Hayes was wrongfully convicted of that murder,” Mulroy said during a Jan. 15 press conference. “Lawyers for Andrew Hayes have currently filed a pending petition to vacate his conviction. I’m announcing today that our office is not going to oppose that petition.”...Mulroy also said the investigation turned up leads for the person prosecutors believe really did assist Vance in the killing — Vance’s daughter, Sarah Lucas Rydell. Rydell has since been charged by the DA’s office with facilitation of first-degree murder, and the office is working to have her extradited from Oklahoma. |Memphis man convicted of 2007 murder was wrongfully convicted, DA says| via The Commercial Appeal
“We settle cases all the time, so to have to constantly keep track of that and notify multiple bodies every 24 hours would be incredibly burdensome,” he said. “And even if it wasn’t every 24 hours, keeping separate track of just those cases that come in from the federal task force would itself be burdensome. It is not the case that we treat the federal task force cases any differently from any other case, nor should we.” |Memphis Task Force bill would require extra reports on pleas, lowered charges, dismissals| via Tennessee Lookout
"About 15 years later, evidence came to light, which caused our office to take a second look at this case," said Mulroy before stating that Hayes was wrongfully convicted in that crime. He went further, stating that Hayes's counsel filed a petition to have the case vacated, which Mulroy stated that he and his office would not oppose, as he believes the conviction should be vacated. |"It is an injustice." | Shelby Co. DA announces wrongful conviction in 2007 murder case| via ABC24
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