MPD officer may have been killed by ‘friendly fire,’ D.A.’s office says
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that they will be filing a motion to prosecute the 17-year-old involved in the fatal shooting of a MPD officer as an adult.
The D.A.’s Office is pursuing the following charges: 13 counts of Criminal Attempt First Degree Murder, 13 counts of Assault Against First Responder, and 13 counts of Aggravated Assault.
The D.A.’s Office said that they have not proceeded with a murder charge at this time because “current information indicates that Officer (Joseph) McKinney was killed by friendly fire.”
They also released the following statement Wednesday evening:
Suspect dead after shootout with police had been arrested, released in March, records show
Additional charges against the teen are 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.
According to the D.A.’s Office, the charges carry a potential maximum sentence of 400 years.
18-year-old suspect, Jaylen Lobley, was also killed in the April 12 shooting.
Reports say around 2 a.m. Friday, officers responded to a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Horn Lake Road and Charter Avenue.
Police say two teens in the car, 18-year-old Jaylen Lobley and the 17-year-old juvenile, began firing shots, and officers returned fire, killing Lobley in the process.
Until now, it was believed that Officer McKinney was struck by a suspect’s bullet.
Judge says release of teen in officer shooting ‘appropriate’
Police Chief C.J. Davis also released a statement regarding the new information.
“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.”
Two other officers were also injured in the shooting, and the 17-year-old suspect was critically injured. Both officers have since been released from the hospital.
The case remains under investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations.
Jaylen Lobley’s mother spoke Thursday, saying, “I knew he didn’t shoot the officer in the first place. I didn’t need anyone to tell me that. I knew that. My son knows not to shoot at the police.”
She says no one, including MPD, has come to talk to her.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
