Four people were killed and at least three were injured on Wednesday in Memphis, according to local officials.
WREG reported:
A 19-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night after multiple shootings and carjackings across Memphis left four people dead and three injured in a violent rampage that lasted for hours, officials said.
The suspect was identified as Ezekiel Kelly. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said Kelly had been released from jail March 16 after serving 11 months of a three-year sentence for an aggravated assault plea.
The first killing happened just after midnight. Police Chief CJ Davis said. At least one shooting was streamed on Facebook Live by the suspect. Kelly was taken into custody at 9:20 after a chase from Mississippi back into Memphis.
This marks the second instance of horrific violence in Memphis. On Friday, Eliza Fletcher, a young mother with two children, was abducted and murdered while on an early morning run. A suspect has been arrested in that case.
Early Thursday morning, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland released this statement:
I want to first, express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families who are suffering from this senseless murder rampage. I’m angry for them, and I’m angry that our citizens had to shelter in place for their own safety until the suspect was caught. This is no way for us to live and it is not acceptable.
The people of our city were confronted with the type of violence no one should have to face. Ezekiel Kelly was charged with criminal attempted first degree murder but pled guilty in April of 2021 to the lesser charge of aggravated assault. He was sentenced to 3 years, but only served 11 months and was released on March 16, 2022 – less than 6 months ago.
These evil actions show why truth in sentencing is a must, and we should do all we can to make our city safe. We should not be terrorized by anyone who wants to strike fear in our hearts and take away what we love about Memphis. We must unite around this principle and stand up to the challenge of violent crime in our city.
If Mr. Kelly served his full 3-year sentence, he would still be in prison today and 4 of our fellow citizens would still be alive.
Thank you state legislature, led by speaker Sexton and Lt. Gov. McNally, for passing truth in sentencing. From now on, 3 years for Aggravated Assault means 3 years.
Our judicial system is too often a revolving door. A citizen emailed me today- “until/unless there are real consequences for criminal behavior, it will continue.”
I agree 100%. We need the courts and additional state laws to stop this revolving door and I need the public to make their voices heard by those decision makers.
I want to thank the Men and Women of our Memphis Police Department, and all the supporting law enforcement agencies who supported in capturing the suspect tonight, and aided in the search for Liza Fletcher earlier this week.
This has been a painful week in our city, but I have hope for Memphis, I have love for Memphis, I know that united …..we will endure.
Journalist Andy Ngo posted details of the charges against suspect Ezekiel Kelly on Twitter:
Breaking: I looked into the criminal history of Ezekiel Kelly, the #Memphis gunman. Last year he was convicted of aggravated assault & sentenced to 3 years prison but was released early. His attempted murder & other felony charges were dismissed.
He was charged today with murder pic.twitter.com/MSg5fGnFOz
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 8, 2022
– – –
Image source: WREG and Memphis Police Department
When the simp, Bill Lee, was running he said Memphis just needed opportunity and it would be all good. No matter the amount of money you throw at the $***hole, it’s going to remain what it is a $***hole.
The whole system is corrupt, that’s why Collierville is independent.
And it’s a shame, so much history there.
Tennessee gop legislators passed the Truth Km sentence law last year! RINO Governor Bill Lee refused to sign the law! Lee is soft on crime! His political future is more with Tennessee democrats than conservative republicans!
Disappointed in Tennessee
A few years ago the Memphis Fraternal Order of Police put up interstate billboards warning people to “Enter At Your Own Risk.” True story
Hate crime.
And what does Gov Bill Cricket have to say? Exactly.
Governor Bill Lee refused to sign the truth in Sentencing law passed year! Do you really think Bill Lee is a real conservative? No he is RINO like former Governor Bill Haslam! I think Tennesseans have had enough of crime and the perpetrators revolving doors! Bell Lee is a big disappointment ! I hope someone will start standing up to Bill Lee!
We need a Governor Rob Desantis! I hope the Tennessee legislature will stand up to Bill Lee!!
memphis just elected a progressive soros-affiliated DA so expect this to get worse not better
Our state is awash with tax money. Can’t we simply build enough jails with enough personnel to man them so that those who can’t live peaceably in civilized society are put away for life or until they are too old to terrorize the rest of us? All it takes is money and the will to spend it to stop our being terrorized by the barbaric few.
just another day in memphis, a stain on the state of TN.
can we sell it to AR or MS?