Last night, I attended multiple election night watch parties across the county hosted by various candidates and campaigns. While most people focused on races for Congress, Governor, County Mayor, and Sheriff, and I congratulate all the winners in those races, many of us in the legal community focused on the judicial races.
Voters selected judges for Chancery Court, Circuit Court, and General Sessions Civil Court, important to folks who will have various civil matters to resolve. Folks at 201 Poplar were really interested in the races for Criminal Court and General Sessions Criminal. I congratulate the winners in all these judicial races too. We at the DA’s Office look forward to working with newly elected Criminal Court Judges Jahari Dowdy and Javier Bailey III, and continuing to work with Taylor Bachelor in General Sessions Criminal.
Despite Election Night being over, much uncertainty still remains for the prosecutors and criminal defense bar. This past spring, the State Legislature created two new Criminal Court judgeships (without providing our office any additional positions to staff the new courts). Over the next few weeks, the Governor will appoint two local lawyers to fill those judgeships. Several current prosecutors at our office are among those applying for these appointments. I confess to mixed feelings about this: while I wish the best for my prosecutors, I also would hate to lose them.
Who will serve on these courts; how cases will be routed to the new courts; how they’ll interact with the existing courts; how our office will staff the new courts with no new personnel—there’s much TBD this August. Expect some shuffling of chairs and some initial growing pains in the months to come. People new in their positions should be given some grace as they adjust to their new roles.
But when the dust settles, I expect us to increase the pace at which cases move through the system—something we’ve already been improving a lot over the past year.
Whatever happens, the DA’s office will roll with the punches and do what it takes to handle our caseload and see that justice is done.
Defendant Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder, Receives 20-Year Sentence: Willie Douglas pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder and was sentenced to 20 years at 100%. Assistant District Attorney Hayden Lawyer handled the case. The victim's family expressed satisfaction with the resolution.
The case stems from an August 2024 shooting in Frayser in which prosecutors alleged Douglas fired 11 shots into a home on Alta Vista Drive, killing Jasmine Hawkins. Investigators said Douglas had been arguing outside the residence before opening fire as he drove away. Several bullets entered the home, striking Hawkins, while multiple other occupants, including a 14-year-old and a 7-year-old, were inside. Douglas was later identified as the shooter and arrested by Memphis Police.
ADA Haden Lawyer handled the case.
Trial Continues in Child Rape Case: Assistant District Attorneys Annika Rush and Cody Tolbert are prosecuting the case against Braxton Stevison, who is charged with Rape of a Child.
The case stems from allegations that, between 2019 and 2020, Stevison sexually abused an underage victim while he was dating the victim's mother. The State alleges the abuse occurred on multiple occasions. During the investigation, the victim identified Stevison in a six-person photo lineup.
The State presented testimony from the victim and the victim's mother this week. Defense counsel filed two motions, which are being argued as the proceedings continue. Additional proof is expected to be presented as the case moves.
ADAs Annika Rush & Cody Tolbert are handling the case.
Judge Finds Probable Cause in Attempted Murder Case Following Violent Assault: Assistant District Attorney Cody Tolbert handled the preliminary hearing for Taylor Douget, who was held to the Grand Jury on a charge of Criminal Attempt Second-Degree Murder. Douget remains in custody, with his bond set at $250,000.
The case stems from an incident involving a vehicle repossession in which Douget, who was working as a tow truck driver, became involved in an altercation with the victim. Prosecutors allege Douget became irate, shouted racial slurs at the victim, and struck him in the head with a metal jack arm. The victim suffered serious injuries, including two broken neck bones and multiple head injuries requiring medical treatment.
Following the hearing, the court found probable cause and bound the case over to the Grand Jury.
ADA Cody Tolbert handled the hearing.
DA Mulroy Speaks at Inaugural “Know Your Rights” Speaker Series
 DA Mulroy recently spoke with students and parents at the inaugural “Know Your Rights” Speaker Series, hosted by the SisterReach organization at the Bethel LaBelle Community Center.
Moderated by Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Camille McMullen, the event brought together community members for an informative discussion focused on understanding the criminal justice system, knowing their rights, and engaging with local leaders.
Dr. Natasha Burnett Recognized at National Gang Conference
 Our Victim/Witness Coordinator, Dr. Natasha Burnett, recently represented the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office at the 29th Annual National Gang Conference in Chicago, hosted by the National Center for Gang Research.
Dr. Burnett was recognized with the Superior Accomplishments in Gang Victim, Witness, and Survivor Services Award, honoring her dedication to supporting victims, witnesses, and survivors and her continued efforts to advance victim services.
During the conference, Dr. Burnett presented on “Victimology Outreach in Gang Homicide Cases,” sharing insight into the importance of victim-centered approaches in cases involving gang violence.
DA’s Office Participates in National Night Out Events Across Memphis
 Members of the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, including Assistant District Attorney Trayce Jones, joined the Memphis community for National Night Out events held throughout the city.
The annual event brings together residents, law enforcement, and community partners to strengthen relationships, promote public safety, and encourage positive connections between neighborhoods and those who serve them.
"Doing justice means following the facts wherever they lead," Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy said in a statement. "When credible new information comes to light, we have a responsibility to act swiftly, thoroughly, and fairly. That is exactly what happened here, and it is the standard we will continue to uphold." |DA: Original suspect in OUTMemphis shooting released, new suspect identified| via ABC24
FOX13 first reported on Freeman's death in October 2022. Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy recused himself from the case and it was reassigned to Davidson County DA Glenn Funk's office. |Jailers charged with murder in death of Gershun Freeman head to trial Monday| via Fox13
A man was sentenced to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty to the shooting death of a man during a robbery in 2024, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. Tuesday, Deangelo Miller, 21, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and aggravated robbery. |Man sentenced after pleading guilty to murder in planned robbery| via WREG3
|
