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This past week, we released our 2025 Annual Report. It’s more than a collection of statistics. It’s a public accounting of the work your DA Office has done over the last year — what’s improving, where we’re focused, and how we’re working to make Shelby County safer and fairer.
Here are some of the key outcomes from 2025:
- Overall crime decreased 16% countywide, including a21% reduction in violent crime and a 23% drop in property crime
- More than 123,000 cases handled across General Sessions, Criminal, Traffic, Environmental, and Juvenile Courts
- Faster case resolution, with General Sessions cases resolved in an average of 92 days
- Evidence backlog eliminated in our Video Processing Unit, which is now operating ahead of schedule
- Over 13,000 victims served, supported through advocacy, court guidance, compensation assistance, and public-safety resources
- 75% of probation-eligible defendants required to complete customized rehabilitative supervision designed to reduce the risk of repeat offenses, more than double prior years
- 30 new cases opened and 59 cases closed by our Justice Review Unit, including the correction of multiple wrongful convictions
In 2025, we focused on what works: prioritizing violent crime through our V11 initiative, moving cases more efficiently through the courts, strengthening rehabilitation and supervision to reduce repeat offenses, and expanding support for victims. We also secured a $300,000 federal Byrne Discretionary Grant to enhance victim and witness services, providing assistance such as relocation support, security upgrades, and emergency resources when they are needed most.
I invite you to review the full 2025 Impact Report on our website. See the data. Understand the strategy and hold us accountable. And know that our office remains committed to enhancing public safety, fostering restoration and prevention, and ensuring equal justice for all.
Defendant Pleads Guilty in Hit-and-Run Death of University of Memphis Student: Assistant District Attorney Lauren Hutton successfully handled the case of Julio Hernandez, who entered an open guilty plea to vehicular homicide in connection with the July 2023 hit-and-run death of University of Memphis student Ava Christopher. Hernandez was initially indicted on charges of reckless vehicular homicide, driving without a license, and leaving the scene of an accident involving death.
Hernandez is scheduled for sentencing on March 25.
The case stems from a July 25, 2023 crash at the intersection of Cooper Street and Central Avenue. Prosecutors showed that Hernandez drove a stolen Dodge Charger, ran a red light, and struck Christopher’s vehicle at approximately 88 miles per hour, killing her. Hernandez fled the scene and evaded arrest for four months before officers took him into custody.
ADA Lauren Hutton handled the case.
Defendant Appears in Court in Shelby Farms Park Murder Case: Chief Prosecutors Lessie Rainey and Monica Timmerman are diligently handling the case of Jackson Hopper, who faces a charge of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young.
Hopper appeared in court on Monday, February 9 for a hearing on whether prosecutors could use evidence of prior acts of violence by the defendant toward the victim in his murder trial and on Hopper’s motions to suppress various evidentiary items. Monday was also his scheduled change-of-plea date. Defense attorneys requested a two-week delay due to weather-related issues, but Judge Carlyn Addison gave him only 48 hours to decide whether he wanted plead guilty or proceed to trial.
On Wednesday, February 11, Hopper was back in court to announce his decision regarding changing his plea. After tense exchanges with the judge and his attorney, Hopper said that he “had no choice” but to take the case to trial. The court is expected to issue its rulings on the February 9 motion hearings at Hopper’s next status date on April 1.
The charge stems from an Oct. 19, 2024 shooting at Shelby Farms Park. Prosecutors allege Hopper shot Young in a parking lot while a breast cancer awareness walk took place nearby. Hopper then fled and led authorities on a multi-county chase.
Chief Prosecutors Lessie Rainey & Monica Timmerman are handling the case.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder in Collierville Double Homicide: Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey and Assistant District Attorney Katie Ratton successfully prosecuted Eric Otten, who pled guilty Wednesday to two counts of second-degree murder in the September 2023 killings of his estranged wife, Jenni Otten, and Mark Cross at the Meridian Park Apartments in Collierville. Otten originally faced two counts of first-degree murder. Under a negotiated agreement, he will serve an effective 30-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction.
Otten entered his guilty pleas before Criminal Court Judge Carlyn Addison in place of a scheduled pre-trial hearing. Prosecutors reached the agreement after discussions with both victims’ families. The agreement does not allow an appeal.
The case stems from a September 2023 shooting at the apartment complex. Otten shot both victims during the incident. First responders transported Cross to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries. During a November 2023 preliminary hearing, Judge Lee Ann Pafford Dobson found probable cause to proceed. Testimony showed the three individuals had previously been involved in a relationship.
Chief Prosecutor Lessie Rainey & ADA Katie Ratton handled the case.
DA Mulroy Attends The Do The Write Thing Conference
 DA Mulroy, who serves as chair of the local Do The Write Thing program, attended the national Do The Write Thing Conference, which brings together local program chairs from across the U.S.
Do The Write Thing is an anti-youth-violence initiative that engages students, families, and communities in addressing the impacts of youth violence. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office coordinates the program locally in partnership with Memphis-Shelby County Schools and community organizations, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for students to share their experiences and solutions.
At the conference, participants reflected on the profound ways youth violence affects families and communities, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy, education, and intervention.
DA Mulroy Speaks to University of Memphis Criminal Justice Class
 DA Mulroy spoke to Dr. Amaia Iratzoqui’s criminal justice class at the University of Memphis, sharing insights on domestic violence cases and the day-to-day work of prosecutors. It was a great opportunity to connect with future legal professionals and discuss the realities of the justice system.
Dr. Natasha Burnett Speaks to R3 Cohort on Trauma and Resilience
 Victim Witness Coordinator Dr. Natasha Burnett recently spoke with the City of Memphis – Office of Community Affairs Opportunity R3 Program cohort, sharing insights on understanding trauma and preventing past experiences from negatively shaping the future. She also discussed her role as a Victim Witness Coordinator and how the District Attorney’s Office supports victims.
Opportunity R3 (Rethinking, Rebuilding, and Rebranding) is a six-week workforce development program for youth ages 16–24, designed to help participants develop professional skills, explore career options, and build pathways to personal and professional success. The program encourages young people to rethink their futures, rebrand their identities, and rebuild their opportunities with purpose.
Tuesday, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy's office sent out its 2025 Justice in Action annual report. In total, the office said it handled more than 123,000 cases across five different courts. It said on average, cases took 92 days in General Sessions court, which is where each criminal case starts. Some cases can be completely handled there, while others move on to criminal court. |Shelby County DA's office releases 2025 case statistics| via FOX 13
A man police described as "one of the most prolific drivers of crime" in Memphis has been sentenced to eight years in prison after violating his probation, the Shelby County District Attorney's Office said Wednesday. Keymon Bledsoe, 19, will serve eight years in the Tennessee Department of Corrections after having his probation revoked in eight separate indicted cases involving multiple charges, including car theft, the DA's Office said. |'One of the most prolific drivers of crime' in Memphis sentenced to prison after probation violation, DA says| via FOX 13
“I’m proud of the prosecutors, Victim/Witness Coordinators, Criminal Investigators, and other staff who work with dedication and professionalism on a sometimes thankless job. They faithfully serve our only client — the people — and our only cause — justice,” Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said in a statement included in the report. |As violent crime falls, most Shelby County DA cases in 2025 were misdemeanors| via The Daily Memphian
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