This week, our office handled two serious and heartbreaking cases involving young people—both involving gun violence and the loss of life.
In one case, a 16-year-old has been charged in connection with a deadly shooting during a senior skip day gathering at Shelby Farms Park, where a 17-year-old lost his life. The defendant remains in custody as the case proceeds through Juvenile Court.
In another case, a 17-year-old was arrested in connection with a separate homicide tied to prom night where another teen was killed. This was yet another devastating incident involving our youth.
Let me be clear: when young people commit violent crimes, there are real consequences. Our office takes these cases seriously, and we will pursue accountability based on the facts and the law. Victims and their families deserve nothing less.
At the same time, these cases point to a larger issue we continue to see—too many young people have access to guns and are making decisions that change lives forever. The justice system has a role, but it cannot be the only solution.
Prevention has to start earlier—and it starts at home and in our community.
We encourage parents and guardians to:
- Know where your children are, especially during large gatherings and late-night events
- Have direct conversations about the consequences of carrying or using a gun
- Secure firearms and make sure they are not accessible to minors
- Pay attention to changes in behavior, social circles, or online activity
- Stay engaged with your child’s school and community
These steps matter. Too often, these situations escalate quickly, and in many cases, they can be prevented.
Both cases remain under review. As we continue to evaluate the facts, we will determine any appropriate next steps.
Public safety is a shared responsibility. Our office will continue to do its part—holding individuals accountable and pursuing justice—while also working with families and the community to prevent these tragedies before they happen.
16-Year-Old Remains in Custody After Detention Hearing in Shelby Farms Fatal Shooting Case: A 16-year-old charged in the fatal shooting of another teen at Shelby Farms during a senior skip day last week will remain in custody following a detention hearing Monday.
After hearing the State’s evidence, the judge determined that the teen poses a risk to the community.
The case remains in juvenile court at this time. A decision on whether the DA’s Office will seek transfer to adult court has not yet been made and could come ahead of the next court date on May 4.
Judge Sets $1 Million Bond in First-Degree Murder Case: Assistant District Attorney Dijahanua Jones successfully handled the bond hearing for Terrence Jeffries, who faces charges of First-Degree Murder, five counts of Aggravated Assault, and Tampering with Evidence. Jeffries remained in custody as the State argued for a bond no lower than $500,000. Following the hearing, the judge set bond at $1,000,000.
Jones presented the seriousness of the charges and the circumstances of the offense to support a significant bond. Defense counsel requested a substantially lower bond, but the court ultimately agreed with the State’s position in setting a higher amount.
The case stems from a March 28, 2026 shooting at a gas station on South Bellevue, where prosecutors allege Jeffries and his co-defendants, including his father, exchanged words with the victim before gunfire erupted. The victim sustained approximately 10 gunshot wounds and died from his injuries. Surveillance footage captured the shooting.
ADA Dijahanua Jones handled the hearing.
Defendant Pleads Guilty on Multiple Indictments, Faces 10-Year Sentence: Assistant District Attorney William Walsh successfully handled the case of Jalen Jacobs, who pled guilty to two indictments and agreed to a total effective sentence of 10 years, to be served consecutively.
Walsh secured the plea with the support of the robbery victim. Jacobs had previously been set for trial with significant evidence against him but failed to appear and fled the jurisdiction. After authorities apprehended him on a capias warrant, he was found in possession of a firearm, leading to a second indictment for Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm.
The case stems from a robbery and subsequent firearm offense in which prosecutors proved Jacobs committed the initial crime and later fled before trial, only to be apprehended with a firearm.
Sentencing is set for next month, where the State will ask the court to order incarceration.
ADA William Walsh handled the case.
Mighty Lights Illuminate Bridge in Honor of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
 On Monday, the Mighty Lights on the Hernando de Soto Bridge were illuminated in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. DA Mulroy and members of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office joined in honoring and supporting victims across our community as part of this national observance.
 
DA Mulroy Participates in International CLE Panel on AI in Prosecution
DA Mulroy participated in a virtual Continuing Legal Education (CLE) panel discussion on the use of artificial intelligence in prosecution. The session was sponsored by the International Association of Prosecutors and focused on how emerging technology is shaping the future of the justice system.
DA Mulroy and Staff Recognize National Child Abuse Prevention Month with Wear Blue Day
 DA Mulroy and staff from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office wore blue in recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The office joined the Memphis Child Advocacy Center for Wear Blue Day to help raise awareness and reaffirm a shared commitment to protecting children and supporting prevention efforts across the community.
DA Mulroy Discusses Public Safety on Informed Sources
 Recently, DA Mulroy sat down with Greg Hurst on WREG News Channel 3’s Informed Sources to discuss public safety, the day-to-day work of prosecutors, and the volume of cases handled by the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. He also addressed how narratives not rooted in data—or taken out of context—can shift focus away from the core work of reviewing cases, supporting victims, and making decisions based on facts and the law.
Watch the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaGfuOX309Q
District Attorney Steve Mulroy told Action News 5 that the unidentified 16-year-old was arraigned Monday morning in Juvenile Court on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, employing a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and three counts of aggravated assault. Mulroy said the teen will remain behind bars until at least the next hearing. |Memphis teen charged in Shelby Farms senior skip day shooting to remain detained| via WMC 5
“In a few minutes, the bridge lights are going to light up. It’s something we do every year to commemorate this week. It’s a way of honoring victims. It is a way of reminding all of us that we need to be their light, in the darkness,” said Steve Mulroy, Shelby County District Attorney. |I-40 bridge lit blue and red for Crime Victims’ Rights Week| via WREG 3
“The bill targets Shelby County only for unprecedented, intrusive oversight of a locally elected DA by an unelected Attorney General, without providing any basis for treating Shelby County differently. It singles out federal task force cases for special treatment, even though Tennessee law provides no basis for treating those cases any differently than the many cases brought independently by local law enforcement. The provision allowing the Attorney General to seek a temporary replacement of a DA largely repeats language already in Tennessee law and is therefore unnecessary; to the extent it goes further, it is likely unconstitutional.
If I didn’t know better, I’d think they had a problem with me specifically or something.”-DA Mulroy |Shelby County District Attorney reacts to passage of 'accountability' bill| via Fox 13
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