JUNE IS OFF TO A BUSY START
Every day, the prosecutors in this office walk into courtrooms and go to work. They try cases, argue motions, negotiate pleas, advocate for victims, and fight to keep this community safe. Most of that work never makes headlines — but it happens, consistently, case after case, across thousands of matters every year.
June has been no exception.
In fact, just within the past week or so — a jury found Jeffery Boyle guilty of Second-Degree Murder in the 2021 killing of Reginald Palmer Jr., guilty on all counts after a four-day trial. Michael King is going to prison for 14 years at 100% for vehicular homicide- after striking 19-year-old Halie Jade Herron Ramirez, a young woman who had pulled over to help a stranger and was on the phone with 911. Three defendants were sentenced following a violent armed robbery after a four-hour contested hearing.
Our office secured significant sentences for all defendants involved. And these cases don't even scratch the surface of what this office is handling on any given day.
That's why we share what we can — through our website, our news releases, and social media throughout the week.
But even then, there's so much more happening that never gets posted, never gets covered, and never makes it beyond the walls of a courtroom. Our commitment to this community doesn't show up only in the cases that make the news. It shows up every day, in every courtroom, in every case we handle for the residents of Shelby County.
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Defendants Sentenced Following Hearing in Armed Robbery Case: Assistant District Attorney Russell Born successfully handled the sentencing hearing for co-defendants Roger Allen, Jaylin Briggs, and Cobe McCarter, securing significant sentences following a contested hearing that lasted more than four hours and included testimony from approximately 10 witnesses.
At the conclusion of the hearing, Criminal Court Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Roger Allen to 10 years in prison, consisting of 6 years on this case to be served consecutively to 4 years on a separate theft case. Jaylin Briggs received an effective 7-year sentence, with 6 years suspended and 1 year to serve, and was taken into custody that day. Cobe McCarter received a 6-year suspended sentence but was ordered to serve 60 days in custody.
The case stems from an incident in which Allen stole a vehicle and, along with Briggs and McCarter, drove to a gas station where they robbed a young man of his firearm and money. Prosecutors proved that Allen pistol-whipped the victim, McCarter held him down, and Briggs pointed a firearm at him during the robbery. The defendants were charged with Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault Acting in Concert, Theft of Property $2,500–$10,000, and Identity Theft/Illegal Entry of a Motor Vehicle.
ADA Russell Born handled the hearing.
Six-Year Suspended Sentence Revoked Following Probation Violations: Assistant District Attorney Thomas Norwood successfully handled a probation revocation hearing for Daniel Harvey, resulting in the revocation of Harvey’s six-year suspended sentence. After hearing the State’s proof, the court ordered Harvey to serve his sentence in custody.
Norwood demonstrated that Harvey repeatedly violated the conditions of his probation by failing to make any restitution payments to the victim, testing positive for drugs multiple times, and failing to take advantage of assistance offered by probation officers. Based on those violations, the court revoked his probation and imposed the original six-year sentence.
The case stems from an August 2024 aggravated burglary in which Harvey broke into Larry Danner’s home while it was undergoing renovations. Prosecutors proved that Harvey stole construction materials and caused extensive damage by ripping copper wiring from the walls, destroying much of the victim’s renovation work. As part of an earlier plea agreement, Harvey received upfront probation under Tennessee’s rehabilitation statute with the condition that he repay the victim for the stolen property and damage caused to the home. Despite being given that opportunity, Harvey failed to make a single restitution payment and did not comply with the conditions of his probation.
ADA Thomas Norwood handled the hearing.
Bond Set in First-Degree Murder Case: Assistant District Attorney Brittany Neal successfully handled the bond hearing for Arnell Holmes, who is charged with First-Degree Murder, Especially Aggravated Robbery, Employing a Firearm During the Commission of a Dangerous Felony, Aggravated Assault, and Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon. Following the hearing in Criminal Court Division 4, the court set Holmes’ bond at $500,000.
Neal presented the State’s position regarding the seriousness of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the case. Holmes, 23, remains in custody pending further court proceedings.
The case stems from the December 2, 2023 killing of Emmijal Bevill. Holmes was later arrested in Cordova on warrants charging him with multiple offenses, including First-Degree Murder. Prosecutors allege Holmes was responsible for the homicide and related violent offenses arising from the incident.
ADA Brittany Neal handled the hearing.
Probable Cause Found in Attempted Kidnapping Case; Cases Proceed to Grand Jury: Assistant District Attorney Jessie Nabors successfully handled preliminary hearings for Rodolfo Dominguez, who faces charges in two separate cases. Following testimony and evidence presented in court, General Sessions Court Judge Greg Gilbert found probable cause on all charges in both cases, and the matters now proceed to the Grand Jury. Dominguez remains in custody on a total bond of $140,000.
In the first case, Dominguez is charged with Aggravated Assault stemming from a December 5, 2025 incident. In the second case, he is charged with Criminal Attempt: Kidnapping, Aggravated Assault, Interference with Emergency Calls, and Theft of Property $1,000 or Less arising from an April 17, 2026 attack on his former girlfriend.
According to the State’s proof, the victim was leaving for work when Dominguez allegedly approached her vehicle, pulled her from it, and attempted to force her into his truck. Prosecutors presented evidence that he prevented her from calling 911, repeatedly assaulted her, threatened to kill her, and dragged and choked her before a passing motorist intervened, allowing the victim to escape. Investigators also recovered security footage and other evidence supporting the charges.
ADA Jessie Nabors handled the hearings.
Happy Pride Month!
 DA Mulroy and staff from the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office proudly participated in the 51st Annual Memphis Pride Parade. The event was a joyful celebration of inclusion, diversity, and the many contributions of the LGBTQ+ community throughout Shelby County. The office was honored to join fellow Memphians in this longstanding community tradition.
Chief Prosecutor Matthew Ian John Attends Juvenile Justice Training in Washington, D.C.
 Chief Prosecutor Matthew Ian John (third from left) with fellow participants at the Georgetown University Center for Youth Justice Transforming Juvenile Justice Probation Certification Program in Washington, D.C.
On behalf of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, Chief Prosecutor Matthew Ian John recently attended the Transforming Juvenile Justice Probation Certification Program in Washington, D.C. The program is conducted by the Georgetown University Center for Youth Justice in partnership with The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Youth Justice Transformation Project.
Matthew participated alongside representatives from Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County, the A.C. Wharton Youth and Family Resource Center, Project STAND, and justice-involved youth who were invited to share their perspectives. The training focused on advancing juvenile justice practices and fostering collaboration among community stakeholders dedicated to improving outcomes for young people.
“We’ll shut down big drug trafficking operations wherever we can,” said D.A. Mulroy. “And we fought for years in court to get illegal gambling machines out of Shelby County – – we’re not backing down now.” |Businesses busted for illegal gambling and drug sales| via WREG 3
“This case is about preserving the independence of an office that answers to the voters of Shelby County,” Mulroy said in a statement. “We believe these laws are unconstitutional, and we are asking the courts to review them on the merits. The people of Shelby County deserve to have those questions fully considered.” |Shelby district attorney balks at state move to dismiss legal challenges| via Tennessee Lookout
Evidence presented in court during the four-day jury trial included testimony from multiple witnesses. The victim’s girlfriend, who was also present during the shooting, identified Boyle as the shooter, according to the DA’s Office. This case comes from an incident on April 12, 2021. The DA’s Office said that prosecutors proved that Boyle shot Palmer. After being wounded, Palmer managed to drive away from the scene and asked his girlfriend to call 911. Palmer was later pronounced dead. |Jury convicts Memphis man for 2021 murder| via WMC 5
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