Here’s a look at major events surrounding the death of Gershun Freeman, from Oct. 25, 2022, to the present.

“Thank God, because the grand jury, the citizens of Shelby County, saw the same video we saw and said that that is not right,” Attorney Ben Crump said, standing with family of Gershun Freeman, who was killed at Shelby County Jail. 

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Timeline of the Gershun Freeman case

“The secrecy in which the Judicial Commissioners and judges work astounds me, since they are a primary party to the crime wave destroying Memphis.”

“Elected officials have chosen to turn villains into victims and victims into villains. Victims are burdened with the cost of broken windows, impounded stolen cars, missing work, therapy and the overall thought of safety.”

The alleged victim, Elvis Hester, filed a grievance against Jones after Jones reportedly made threats of a sexual nature and refused to feed Hester.

With four weeks left until he’s scheduled to go to prison, former state Sen. Brian Kelsey appeared in federal court in Nashville on Thursday, Sept. 21 to argue that prosecutors violated his plea deal — and that he should remain free while the appeal plays out.

The five are defendants in both the criminal and civil cases. 

Gershun Freeman was involved in a fatal encounter with corrections officers in the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar Ave. on Oct. 5, 2022. 

Related story:

Bonner claims Freeman video release was illegal and politically motivated

“That video should not have been released,” Bonner said in an interview on the WKNO-TV program “Behind The Headlines.”

The suspect has not yet been identified or charged.

The 12th annual Memphis Walk a Mile in Her Shoes brought students, athletes, police officials, government employees and community members, some in high heels, to raise awareness.

“The goal is always (to) call if you can, text if you can’t ...” said the director of the DeSoto County Emergency Communications District. “Sometimes that’s not an option, and when it isn’t, now they have a way to talk to 911.” 

Lifeline to Success, the nonprofit, will put the funds toward its new rehabilitation center, Welch Home for Success, and a 12-month demonstration program.

Most of the cases dismissed as a result of their ties to the five former Memphis Police Department officers accused in Tyre Nichols’ death were street-level drug offenses, weapons violations and driving violations. 

The report was in response to two resolutions passed by county commissioners, both of which asked for data centered around the bail order.

Prosecutors say Kelsey’s request for bail is another delay tactic. The parties are set for oral arguments on the bail motion Thursday, Sept. 21.

After 41 deaths at 201 Poplar, since the start of 2019, Shelby County government is in the process of renewing its contract with Wellpath, the largest health care provider for jails and prisons in the country.

A judge is slated to issue an order by the end of next week allowing for the public release of additional video, audio, reports and personnel files related to the Tyre Nichols case. 

U.S. District Judge Mark Norris is weighing how the civil lawsuit over Tyre Nichols’ death should proceed and what parties should be involved.

Judge Lee Coffee urged Eliza Fletcher’s family to remain patient as they await a trial that will occur after Henderson is tried for allegedly raping Alicia Franklin in 2021.

Emmitt Martin III made his first court federal court appearance Thursday, Sept. 14, and was arraigned before Magistrate Judge Annie Christoff. 

Decertification process for fellow officer Preston Hemphill was also placed on hold. 

“Whether it results in a conviction or not, that record can go with you to your grave unless you proactively get it expunged, if you’re eligible to do that. Many, many people are not,” said Josh Spickler, head of Just City.

Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley, Desmond Mills Jr. and Justin Smith made their initial appearances in federal court Wednesday before Magistrate Judge Charmiane Claxton and were arraigned on the charges.

In the second part in a two-part interview with The Daily Memphian, Shelby County’s Lead Judicial Commissioner John Marshall discusses the controversy surrounding affordable bail.