Memphis awoke Friday morning to the dreadful news that MPD Officer Joseph “Rusty” McKinney, 26, had been killed in the line of duty. McKinney and at least two other officers were involved in a shootout after approaching a suspicious vehicle in the early morning hours, according to MPD. The second officer was in non-critical condition after being shot; the third was treated on the scene after a bullet “grazed” him. One of the suspects in the vehicle died at Regional One Health and another is still hospitalized, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating the case.

Mayor Paul Young issued a strongly worded statement Friday afternoon, for the first time using his email platform to speak directly to the judicial system: “Together, let’s petition our judges and the DA for stronger, swifter sentencing for violent offenses. If you are part of the judicial system, hear my voice first. We need to work together to do better for our community.” The Daily Memphian will continue to report on McKinney’s death and the circumstances surrounding it.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools Superintendent Marie Feagins addressed media members last week and repeated her assessment during the interview process that the district’s personnel appear bloated. In her second week on the job, Feagins said she would hold similar, regular briefings in a commitment to transparency. She also announced her transition team, which includes members from the Council of the Great City Schools and former Memphis City Schools Superintendent Carol Johnson-Dean.

In addition, Lichterman Nature Center opened its Discovery Forest playground; Young sat down with The Daily Memphian’s Samuel Hardiman to talk about his first 100 days on the job; and, Julia Baker covered and reported from a four-day trial at 201 Poplar Ave. that ended in a local jury convicting Cleotha Abston of a 2021 rape.

— Metro editor Jane Donahoe

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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. 

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Leaders react to death of Memphis police officer Joseph McKinney

Memphis Police officer killed in the line of duty: What we know

Stronger, swifter sentences crucial, Mayor Young says

Juvenile suspect in MPD officer killing took plea deal last year By Aarron Fleming

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Memphis Police officer killed in the line of duty: What we know By The Daily Memphian Staff

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Contentious North Memphis project comes to a head — again By Keely Brewer

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