Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney, who was fatally shot last week while responding to a suspicious vehicle call, is reported to have died by friendly fire, according to the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office.
On April 12, at approximately 2:00 a.m., the Memphis Police Department (MPD) responded to a suspicious vehicle call at Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue.
The vehicle was occupied by a 17-year-old and 18-year-old.
While approaching the vehicle, officers were fired upon, and three, including McKinney, were struck.
As officers returned fire, the vehicle fled; however, it was quickly recovered, and both suspects were taken into custody and transported to Regional One Health for their injuries.
McKinney (pictured above), an MPD officer for more than four years, and the 18-year-old suspect, Jaylen Lobley, died of their injuries.
Lobley was arrested in March for a gun charge and stealing two vehicles; however, he was released without bond at the time.
While it was originally perceived that McKinney was fatally killed by gunfire from the suspects inside the vehicle, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy announced Wednesday that “current information indicates that Officer McKinney was killed by friendly fire,” as questions surfaced as to why the 17-year old suspect was not charged with murder for the officer’s death.
“Our office recently released a statement with our intent to file a motion to transfer the 17-year-old involved in the officer-involved shooting to adult court. Within the statement, we detailed the charges against him. Since then, some questions have arisen regarding the absence of a murder charge,” Mulroy said.
“We have not proceeded with a murder charge at this time because current information indicates that Officer McKinney was killed by friendly fire,” Mulroy added. “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 charges against the 17-year-old suspect have since been announced as 13 Counts of each of the following: Criminal Attempt First Degree Murder, Assault Against First Responder, and Aggravated Assault.
Additional charges against the suspect include Theft of Property $10,000-$60,000, Possessing a Firearm During Commission or Attempt to Commit Dangerous Felony, Possession Of a Prohibited Weapon, and Evading Arrest.
Mulroy’s office said the charges against the suspect cumulatively carry a potential maximum sentence of 400 years.
In regard to the new information surrounding McKinney’s death, MPD Interim Police Chief C.J. Davis released the following statement:
We continue to mourn the death of Officer Joseph McKinney, as we learn this new information.
The facts remain that our officers responded to a very violent encounter that tragically 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.
Funeral arrangements for McKinney have been announced for Monday.
On Sunday evening, MPD will conduct a “Sea of Blue” in memory of the fallen officer.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Kaitlin on X / Twitter.
