Message from the DA

   April was a busy month. While we celebrated Passover, Easter, Martin Luther King Day, and even Shelby County Star Trek Day, we were also busy in court promoting public safety.

   We got a jury conviction in Shelby County’s first trial for the offense of “continuous sexual abuse of a child.” The jury found defendant Mack Joy guilty, delivering justice in a deeply difficult case.

   In a major violent crime case, Jackson Hopper pled guilty to second-degree murder in the Shelby Farms Park killing, receiving a 40-year sentence.

   In another significant case, a jury found Joshua Gossett guilty on all counts in a double homicide Gossett is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on May 7, 2026. , while Tifanee Wright was convicted of second-degree murder in the killing of respected community activist Dr. Yvonne Nelson Following the verdict, the court revoked Wright’s bond and ordered her into custody pending sentencing. Wright faces sentencing on June 15, 2026, and she faces 15 to 25 years without probation or parole eligibility. —ensuring accountability for victims and their families.

   These are just illustrative of the thousands of cases we handled this April, demonstrating that when it’s appropriate, we’ll push for significant prison time to hold defendants accountable.

   Some politically motivated critics have suggested the opposite, pointing to statistics about defendants getting probation or diversion. But we took a look at their numbers, and they’re misleading at best, flat out wrong at worst.

   Most of these probation cases were nonviolent. In a lot of them, the defendant had already spent a good deal of time in jail, or had no significant criminal record, or we asked for prison time but the judge disagreed. When we DID agree to probation in a VIOLENT case, there was either significant time in jail prior to conviction, proof problems making it risky to go to trial, no significant criminal history, or some combination.

   My Republican predecessor used to say that everyone who breaks the law must be held accountable, but accountability doesn’t always mean prison. I think there’s wisdom in that. Because data from across the country shows that sometimes probation or diversion with tough rehabilitation requirements are more effective than prison in reducing the risk of repeat offenders. And reducing that recidivism rate is the key thing we have to do if we can continue this downward trend in crime we’ve enjoyed for the last 2 1/2 years.

Happening in Court

Defendant Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Receives 22-Year Sentence: Chief Prosecutor Monica Timmerman successfully handled the case of James Sherman, who pled guilty on Friday, April 24, to Second-Degree Murder and received a 22-year sentence.

   Timmerman secured the plea and resolution in the 2022 case, holding Sherman accountable for the killing.

   The case stems from a 2022 stabbing at a residence on Bond Avenue, where prosecutors showed that Sherman stabbed the victim multiple times during an argument. Sherman initially claimed he found the victim unresponsive, but later while in custody admitted to the stabbing.  The victim died at the scene from his injuries.

Chief Prosecutor Monica Timmerman handled the case.

Jury Finds Defendant Guilty of Theft of Property Over $10,000 in Payroll Scheme: Assistant District Attorneys William Walsh and Jack Abrams successfully prosecuted Whitney Nelson, who a jury found guilty as charged of Theft of Property Over $10,000.

   The case involved Nelson’s embezzlement scheme to use charter school funds for her personal use. Walsh and Abrams presented financial records, witness testimony, and audit findings that established the defendant’s scheme and led to the conviction. Key evidence came out during ADA Walsh’s cross-examination of the defendant, assisted by ADA Gould who broke down complex bank recordsin real time during cross-examination, allowing prosecutors to point out inconsistencies in her testimony. Jurors later indicated that moment removed any reasonable doubt.

   Nelson sued her position as a payroll specialist at Southern Avenue Charter School to divert school funds to her personal account. Evidence showed she altered employees’ direct deposit information and transferred more than $23,500 over the course of a year, taking advantage of her administrative access to payroll systems.

ADAs William Walsh & Jack Abrams handled the case.

Judge Increases Bond in Aggravated Robbery Case: Assistant District Attorney Ginny Britto successfully handled a bond hearing for Derrick White, who faces charges of Aggravated Robbery and Theft of Property over $10,000. Following the hearing, the court increased White’s bond on the Aggravated Robbery charge from $6,500 to $50,000 and raised his ROR status on the theft charge to a $3,000 bond.

   Britto argued for the increase based on White’s criminal history and the fact that he committed the Aggravated Robbery while already released on his own recognizance for a pending felony theft case. The court agreed and set higher bond conditions.

   The case stems from an April 4, 2026 incident in which prosecutors allege White and another individual approached a victim outside an apartment complex wearing ski masks, displayed firearms, and demanded property. The victim, fearing for her life, dropped her keys and fled. Prosecutors presented evidence that White was later found in possession of the stolen vehicle, and digital evidence linked him to the offense.

ADA Ginny Britto handled the hearing.

DA's Office in the Community

DA Mulroy and Staff Attend Youth Villages’ Breakthrough Conference

DA Mulroy pictured with County Commissioner Mick Wright.

DA Steve Mulroy and our Victim/Witness Coordinators attended Youth Villages’ annual Breakthrough Conference this week, joining community leaders, violence intervention groups, academics, and public officials to discuss strategies for improving public safety.

(Pictured L-R): Victim/Witness Coordinators Shanika Stone, Dr. Natasha Burnett, and Jennifer Sims.

DA Mulroy Attends Child Advocacy Center “Bearing Hope” Event

The Child Advocacy Center recently hosted its annual Bearing Hope reception, an event recognizing volunteers and raising funds in support of its mission to serve child victims of abuse. The organization provides counseling, forensic examinations, advocacy, and other critical services for children and families in need.

DA Mulroy, a board member of the Child Advocacy Center, attended the event and is pictured with Executive Director Virginia Stallworth.

DA's Office in the News