|
In this space, I often speak about our work in broad terms. In last week’s newsletter, we shared statistics showing crime is down, that we’re indicting cases faster, and that we’re systematically using rehabilitation to reduce repeat offenders. Those numbers matter. But sometimes it’s useful to look at individual cases to illustrate the hard work and results our prosecutors and support staff manifest every day.
This week, we got a conviction, and a 17.5 year sentence, in a deeply troubling case of aggravated child abuse by defendant DaJuanae Thomas. For nine months, Thomas confined her four-year-old son in a room with the inside doorknob removed. When the child was finally discovered, he was emaciated, critically ill, and covered in feces. He was rushed to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where he remained hospitalized for several weeks before doctors were able to stabilize him and release him.
Cases involving harm to children are among the most difficult our prosecutors face. They require not only meticulous preparation and coordination with medical professionals and investigators, but also resilience in confronting heartbreaking evidence.
In another case, we got a jury verdict of Voluntary Manslaughter against Warrick Tennial. This was a domestic dispute which escalated to a deadly gunshot to the victim’s chest. . Through careful presentation of the evidence and steady advocacy in court, we secured a verdict that held the defendant accountable and upheld the rule of law.
These cases remind us that behind every statistic is a victim, a family, and a team of dedicated public servants working tirelessly to pursue justice on behalf of our community.
Defendant Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Child Abuse: Assistant District Attorney Venecia Patterson successfully concluded the case of DaJuanae Brown Thomas, who pled guilty to Facilitation of Aggravated Child Abuse Under 8 and was sentenced to 17.5 years.
Prosecutors said Thomas confined her 4-year-old son in a room with the inside door knob removed for nine months. When discovered, the child was emaciated, critically ill, and covered in feces. He was hospitalized in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for several weeks before being released.
ADA Venecia Patterson handled the case
Defendant Found Guilty of Voluntary Manslaughter: Assistant District Attorneys Brittany Neal and JD Hamblen successfully prosecuted Warrick Tennial, and a jury found him guilty as charged of Voluntary Manslaughter.
The case stems from a domestic dispute inside a home. According to the affidavit, officers found the victim with a gunshot wound to the chest on the floor of a master bathroom. Officers recovered a shell casing from the living room and live rounds from inside the home and driveway. Witnesses said the victim and his fiancé had argued for hours before family members arrived to intervene. Tennial and the victim began fighting, and Tennial shot him in the chest. First responders rushed the victim to Regional One, where doctors pronounced him dead. Deputies detained Tennial at the scene. He later admitted he argued with the victim and fired the shot after the victim threatened him.
ADAs Brittany Neal & JD Hamblen handled the case
Defendant Bound Over on Second-Degree Murder Charge in Exxon Shooting: Assistant District Attorney Alan Rasheed successfully handled the preliminary hearing for Ja’Vonte Cooper, who faces a charge of Second-Degree Murder. General Sessions Judge Louis Montesi Jr. found probable cause and bound the case over to the grand jury after hearing two witnesses testify.
The case stems from a Dec. 25 shooting at the Exxon gas station at 4138 Kirby Parkway. The State presented surveillance footage that showed Lawrence arriving in a black Infiniti. The footage also showed a silver Ford SUV arriving with Ja’Vonte Cooper and another male. Video captured Lawrence and Ja’Vonte walking into the store, and Ja’Vonte appeared to carry a handgun under his left arm.
ADA Alan Rasheed handled the case
“I’m sorry to hear Sarah Lucas Riedel has died, and I pray for all involved,” District Attorney Steve Mulroy said. “Any death is a tragedy, but this one denies the family of Danny Harris a chance for closure and justice. It also denies Andrew Hayes, who we believe was wrongfully convicted of this murder, a chance for further proof of his innocence. While we won’t be able to prosecute Ms. Riedel, we will let the court know who we believe really killed Mr. Harris.” |‘Not justice:’ Woman dies days after extradition in 2007 Cordova murder case| via WMC 5
"These numbers represent real people — victims seeking answers, families waiting for closure and communities that deserve safety and fairness," District Attorney Steve Mulroy said in a statement. "In 2025, we focused on what works: prioritizing violent crime, moving cases faster and holding offenders accountable while reducing the risk of repeat offenses." |DA touts faster case resolution, Memphis fire has free smoke detectors| via The Commercial Appeal
“If the wrong person is behind bars, then the right person is out there, and we need to hold them accountable,” Mulroy said. |Woman dies days after arrest in 2007 Memphis murder case| via WREG 3
|
