This coming weekend is chock full of meaningful days for Shelby County. Most of us will be observing, in one fashion or another, either Easter or Passover.
For persons of faith, these holidays are powerful reminders of the profound ways that God intervenes in our lives—to save a people from oppression, or to show us all that there is a life after this one. With what’s been going on lately, it’s not a bad time to think about official oppression and wrongful executions—events at the heart of the holidays we’ll be celebrating. When I go to Mass this Sunday, my prayers will both be one of thanks for what God has given us, including falling crime rates, but also to ask for the Holy Spirit to inspire us all to do what we need to do to make Memphis and Shelby County safer.
And there’s one more holiday people of all faiths, or of no particular faith, should recognize this weekend. Fifty-eight years ago, Memphis saw a true American hero shot down in his prime. Aided by many others, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. accomplished something extraordinary: fundamental societal reform without resort to violence.
Dr. King’s rough edges have been somewhat smoothed over since he became a national icon, but he was actually a revolutionary figure. Dr. King led marches in the streets, even when courts ordered him not to, in the honored American tradition of civil disobedience. But he always insisted that his followers do so peacefully, even to the point of not fighting back when oppressors were violent. And he never turned away from his goals of social justice, systemic reform, and public service.
We can all learn from his example.
I wish you all a Happy Easter, Blessed Passover, and a Happy Martin King Jr. Remembrance Day.
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Defendant Convicted of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in First Shelby County Trial: Assistant District Attorneys Venecia Patterson and Fredricka Brown successfully prosecuted Mack Joy, who a jury found guilty as charged of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child and two counts of Rape of a Child. This marks the first trial and conviction for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child in Shelby County.
Patterson and Brown presented compelling testimony and evidence, including testimony from a co-defendant who admitted his own involvement and described the abuse to the jury. The victim attended the trial and expressed relief and satisfaction with the verdict.
The case stems from repeated sexual abuse of a child, which prosecutors proved occurred over an extended period. Evidence at trial established that Joy committed multiple acts of abuse, leading to the charges and ultimate conviction.
ADAs Venecia Patterson & Fredricka Brown handled the case.
Defendant’s Bond Revoked Following Multiple Rearrests: Assistant District Attorney Alexia Crump successfully handled the bond revocation hearing for Keveon Black, who faces charges of Second-Degree Murder and Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony. Judge Jennifer Mitchell revoked Black’s bond today following testimony regarding his recent arrests.
Black had posted a $200,000 bond on October 27, 2023. The State filed a motion to revoke his bail after Black was rearrested twice in 2026, raising concerns about public safety and compliance with court orders.
The case stems from two separate incidents earlier this year. On January 14, 2026, Black was arrested for unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon after allegedly bringing a Glock handgun with a machine gun conversion device into Applebee’s on Union Avenue. Officers recovered the loaded firearm hidden in Black’s backpack, which video footage confirmed he was waiting outside the restaurant.
On March 14, 2026, Black was arrested for possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver. Officers observed him walking in the street on Looney Avenue and witnessed him huffing nitrous oxide, and a search incident to arrest revealed that he possessed 14.3 grams of marijuana, exceeding the felony threshold in Tennessee.
Following testimony from witnesses regarding both incidents, Judge Mitchell revoked Black’s bond and ordered him taken into custody.
ADA Alexia Crump handled the hearing.
Defendant Sentenced in Vehicular Homicide Case Involving Memphis Father: Assistant District Attorney Scot Bearup successfully handled the sentencing of Alexander Santiago Salazar, who was sentenced in connection with a deadly crash that claimed the life of a father.
Salazar received a three-year sentence for this car accident, with one year to be served at 100% in jail and the remaining time suspended to four years of probation. The court allowed the possibility of work release. The judge also revoked Salazar’s driver’s license, ordered liability insurance if he obtains a restricted license, and made clear that any driving violations during probation would constitute a violation. Victim’s father William Hawkins attended court and testified, while the victim’s sister submitted a written impact statement read by ADA Bearup. Hawkins expressed that he was glad justice was served.
The case stems from an accident in which Salazar left the scene and hid his vehicle under a tarp at his home. The victim died ten days later, and his child went to live with an aunt in Kentucky. Salazar testified at the sentencing, and several family members also spoke on his behalf.
ADA Scot Bearup handled the case.
DA Mulroy Participates in Community Gun Safety Training
 DA Mulroy recently spoke at a community gun safety training organized by Alvin Crook and held at One Accord Christian Church. The event brought together community leaders and public safety partners to promote responsible gun ownership and safety awareness.
A representative from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office provided gun safety training to attendees. Also present were School Board Member Towanna Murphy, Mental Health Court Judge Sheila Renfroe, organizer Alvin Crook, and Circuit Court Judge Chris Frulla.
 (Pictured L-R): School Board Member Towanna Murphy; Mental Health Court Judge Sheila Renfroe; Organizer, Alvin crook; DA Mulroy; Circuit Court, Judge Chris Frulla
DA Mulroy Joins Community in Honoring Children Lost to Violence
 DA Mulroy attended the annual flag raising hosted by the Child Advocacy Center to honor children in Shelby County who were lost to violence this past year. Pictured from left: DA Steve Mulroy, Rabbi Micah Greenstein, and Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon, who both spoke at the event. The Child Advocacy Center flag is displayed in the background as a symbol of remembrance.
DA Mulroy Attends the 40th Annual Women of Achievement Awards
 DA Mulroy recently attended the 40th Anuual Women of Achievement Awards, held at the Playhouse on the Square theater in Midtown. Each year, the Women of Achievement organization select honors several women for outstanding public service and excellence in a variety of fields, including law, journalism, science, medicine, the arts, and government.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
 April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and reaffirm our commitment to protecting children in our community. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office works closely with Special Victims Unit prosecutors, Victim/Witness Coordinators, and community partners such as the Memphis Child Advocacy Center to support child victims, hold offenders accountable, and ensure a coordinated, child-focused response.
Through these collaborative efforts, we aim to provide resources, advocacy, and support to help children and families navigate some of their most difficult moments.
New data from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office showed more convictions and fewer dismissals in December 2025 compared to 2019, officials said. The analysis follows a recent local report that raised questions about conviction and dismissal rates. |New data from Shelby County DA's Office shows more convictions, fewer dismissals compared to 2019| via FOX 13
Shelby County Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman on Monday, March 30, said that his office expects Corenelius Smith to plead guilty to his involvement in the murder of Young Dolph, whose real name is Adolph Thornton Jr. |Shelby Cornelius Smith expected to plead guilty to involvement in Young Dolph Murder| via ABC 24
A career offender is facing a 15-year sentence after he was convicted of aggravated assault for stabbing his pregnant ex-girlfriend, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. |Man faces 15 year sentence after stabbing pregnant ex-girlfriend| via WREG 3
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