Shelby County DA: Evidence indicates slain Memphis police officer killed by friendly fire
The Shelby County District Attorney's office said Wednesday evening that evidence indicates a Memphis Police Department officer killed in a shootout Friday was killed by friendly fire. The DA's office said it will not be proceeding with murder charges against a 17-year-old suspect.
However, the 17-year-old, who was critically injured the shootout which left Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney and an 18-year-old suspect dead, has been charged with 13 felony counts, the DA's office said in an email statement.
"Although current information indicates friendly fire, we believe the 17-year-old’s reprehensible actions are still the real cause of Officer McKinney’s death. Should a legal avenue open up for additional prosecution, be assured we will pursue it," the DA's office said in an updated press release on the office's website.
The 17-year-old will not be named at this time by The Commercial Appeal because he is currently charged as a juvenile. The DA's office said it has filed a motion to prosecute the teen as an adult moving forward.
The 17-year-old is charged with attempted first-degree murder, assault against a first responder and aggravated assault in connection to the shootout. He is also charged with theft of property $10,000-$60,000, possessing a firearm during the commission or attempt to commit a dangerous felony, possession of a prohibited weapon and evading arrest.
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The DA's office said the charges, should he be convicted, carry a maximum sentence of 400 years.
"The charges we are pursuing against this defendant underscore the gravity of this tragic incident," the DA's office said in the statement.
Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn "C.J" Davis released a statement Wednesday afternoon after the district attorney's office disclosed the new information relating to McKinney's death to The Commercial Appeal.
"We continue to mourn the death of Officer Joseph McKinney, as we learn this new information," Davis said in a statement. "The facts remain that our officers responded to a very violent encounter that resulted in Officer McKinney being fatally shot. We continue to support Officer McKinney's family and the Memphis Police Department in honor of his valor. Please continue to pray for the family and all involved."
The Memphis Police Association, the union that represents most of MPD, echoed Davis' sentiments, saying that the union will focus on McKinney's "valor in the face of danger and the sacrifice he made for the citizens of this city."
"While the MPA, the department and this city continue to grieve the loss of Officer Joseph McKinney, we must focus on the cause of this tragic incident," the MPA said in a press release. "Officer McKinney made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the citizens of this city from two individuals that chose to become violent when encountering police. It was a result of the suspects' decisions to become violent that led to the exchange of gunfire which led to the tragic loss of life." We will continue to focus on Officer McKinney's valor in the face of danger "
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Reporter Micaela Watts contributed to this story.
Lucas Finton is a criminal justice reporter with The Commercial Appeal. HPe can be reached at [email protected], or (901)208-3922, and followed on X, formerly known as Twitter, @LucasFinton.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Joseph McKinney may have been killed by friendly fire: Officials
