Kevin Ritz grilled during US Senate Judiciary Committee hearing
Senators in Washington, D.C., recently grilled Memphis’ top federal prosecutor about his past as he awaits confirmation to a federal judgeship.
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Senators in Washington, D.C., recently grilled Memphis’ top federal prosecutor about his past as he awaits confirmation to a federal judgeship.
The bill to remove two Shelby County judgeships was faced with opposition after the removal of the Division 9 seat, formerly held by Melissa Boyd.
Lt. Vonzell Bibbs, McKinney’s supervisor at MPD’s Raines precinct, left the crowd gathered Hope Church with a call to action: “Smile at somebody. In honor of him, smile at somebody. Because a smile could help someone through this grieving process.”
The charges were added in light of news from the office Wednesday that MPD Officer Joseph “Rusty” McKinney was likely killed by friendly fire.
Despite a prior statement suggesting otherwise, a prosecutor with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office did not “strongly oppose” lowering the bond for a now-deceased suspect involved in a shootout last week with Memphis Police officers.
Rep. John Gillespie said that the bill he drafted didn’t have enough “teeth” and is now considering revisions in light of the shooting that killed McKinney.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office also announced its intention to seek transfer of the sole surviving suspect from juvenile to adult court.
Even as the Tennessee Legislature inches closer to eliminating the seat, four candidates have applied to run for the Shelby County Criminal Court Division 9 judgeship formerly held by Melissa Boyd.
The suspect pleaded “no contest” to three aggravated robberies on March 2, 2023, according to records obtained by The Daily Memphian.
A slate of bills targeted specifically at Memphis and sponsored by Republican state Sen. Brent Taylor have been progressing through the state Legislature. Gov. Bill Lee has signed two into law.
A Memphis Police officer died Friday after being shot earlier that morning, MPD Interim Chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis said. An 18-year-old suspect, who had been recently arrested and released without bond, also died, Davis said. Leaders react to death of Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney Memphis Police officer killed in the line of duty: What we knowRelated stories:
Three Memphis Police Department officers were shot early Friday in Whitehaven, according to MPD posts on the social media platform X.
Although a major win for the Memphis Grizzlies point guard, it is only temporary. The case will likely move on, either over self-defense or Tennessee’s “stand-your-ground” law. Ja Morant fairly raised issue of self defense, Shelby County judge rulesRelated story:
A state board overseeing attorneys’ disciplinary proceedings has censured a Shelby County juvenile court magistrate judge for filing an ill-intentioned lawsuit.
Oral arguments were heard Tuesday, April 9, in an appeal of a class-action lawsuit against the City of Memphis about its alleged lack of testing more than 12,000 sexual assault evidence kits, some dating back decades.
Abston’s attorney previously tried to have jurors from Davidson County used in the trial, arguing that excessive media coverage of the Eliza Fletcher case would taint a potential local jury pool.
County elections administrator Linda Phillips said in a release that all petitioners should be aware of pending legislation that could remove Melissa Boyd’s former seat, making any petitions null and void.
The problems that have led to business nuisance closures in recent years have ranged from drug crimes to homicides, yet the establishments usually don’t stay closed long. The DA’s office says the process is an effort to stop illegal activity, not lawful commerce.
Melissa Boyd’s plea deal comes just three days after she resigned from the bench, following months of turmoil.
The state’s push to remove two judgeships in Memphis faces resistance locally and from some Tennessee legislators who say Shelby County still needs the seats, particularly Division 9 of the Criminal Court.
U.S. District Judge Mark Norris on Thursday, April 4, denied motions by defense counsel for the officers, of which several had been filed.
Melissa Boyd will plead guilty Friday in her criminal case, her lawyer Arthur Horne told The Daily Memphian Wednesday.Related content:
The move stops a planned vote Thursday, April 4, that would’ve likely seen Shelby County Criminal Court Division 9 Judge Melissa Boyd removed from the bench.
Days before a vote that could see her removed from the bench, a criminal court judge wants to resign from her post, according to a letter obtained by The Daily Memphian. But the vote should move forward, regardless.
Demarion Tackett, 16, is accused of killing John Materna. He posted his $100,000 bond that was set by Shelby County Juvenile Court Judge Tarik Sugarmon on Feb. 7.