Experts, witnesses take stand in Kroger security-guard murder trial
Throughout the day Wednesday, the prosecution and defense examined six witnesses and experts, including a medical examiner, witnesses and law-enforcement personnel.
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Throughout the day Wednesday, the prosecution and defense examined six witnesses and experts, including a medical examiner, witnesses and law-enforcement personnel.
Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk, who is prosecuting the case, painted a picture during opening statements of an altercation that turned violent quickly and a killing that was premeditated and intentional. Defense attorney Steve Farese said his client was “innocent of all charges.”
Nashville District Attorney General Glenn Funk is in Memphis for the week to prosecute the case. Defense attorneys Steve Farese and Leslie Ballin are representing Gregory Livingston.
Staff members are conducting all proceedings and administrative work virtually.
The trial for former contract security guard Gregory Livingston — who is accused of fatally shooting Alvin Motley after an altercation at an East Memphis gas station — is scheduled to begin Monday, April 29. Here’s some background on the case.
Joel Bowman, 33, now has a combined $200,000 bail for two separate cases: the shooting and an aggravated burglary that occurred the same day. Each case has a $100,000 bail set.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has identified the man who was fatally shot by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies Friday, April 26, as James Q. Hampton, 30.
Under the bill, juvenile court can keep the minor under its jurisdiction until the teen’s 19th birthday, after which the court is authorized to impose an additional sentence to be served on or before their 24th birthday if they violate conditions.
Friends and family members have identified the two people who died after a mass shooting at an Orange Mound block party.
Eduard Rodriguez Tabora, 22, is scheduled to go to trial Sept. 30 after he turned down a plea deal with a lesser charge in Shelby County Criminal Court Division 1 Judge Paula Skahan’s courtroom Monday.
Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon anticipates the transition process will not be completed this year due to the “intricate nature of the transition process,” according to an emailed statement.
Crime in Memphis trended down across key categories during the first quarter of this year, according to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation data the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission shared Tuesday, April 16.
Bonner informed the County Commission of the change via an emailed letter Tuesday, April 16.
The Tennessee House passed a bill Tuesday, April 16, that removes a magistrate’s financial consideration from the initial bail-setting process.
Cleotha Abston, 40, was found guilty as charged on aggravated rape and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and guilty on a lesser charge of aggravated kidnapping, which was reduced from an especially aggravated kidnapping charge.
SCSO also struggles with providing recreation and educational opportunities for detained youths. Shelby County Commissioner Mick Wright aims to address those issues with a resolution to also hold Shelby County Juvenile Court and other county departments responsible.
The jury began deliberating around 1 p.m. Thursday, April 11 — the third day of Cleotha Abston’s trial — before breaking at about 5 p.m.
Cleotha Abston chose not to take the stand Wednesday, April 10, during the second day of trial for the alleged rape of Alicia Franklin.
“It seemed like forever,” Alicia Franklin said of her alleged rape by Cleotha Abston during testimony she gave on the first day of trial in the case.
Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon said only about 50%-60% of children in the facility attend classes. He also said the court mandated Feb. 28 parent visitation, which has been suspended for four years, be reinstated.
“It is critical in the face of such tragedy that we don’t surrender to hopelessness. We’ve got to strengthen our resolve, amplify our voices and expand our reach,” said the executive director of Memphis Child Advocacy Center.
The cases represent 15% of the felonies that have come through the DA’s office this year, Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said during a Wednesday press conference.
A group of organizations allege the youth detention facility’s leadership and staff deny visitation and do not provide sufficient education or time outdoors.
Six women in the Shelby County Department of Corrections and three dogs are participating in a program to improve the women’s emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills while giving dogs training to make them more adoptable.
Memphis Police Association President Matt Cunningham and Vice President John Covington discussed recent public safety legislation, agreements and negotiations with the Memphis Police Department, recruitment and more on the WKNO-TV program “Behind The Headlines.”