Shelby County District Attorney's Office

02/20/2026

Victims don’t walk through the system alone.

Last year, more than 13,000 victims received advocacy and support from our Victim/Witness Coordinators — from court accompaniment to compensation assistance and critical resources.

Because justice works best when people feel seen, heard, and supported.

02/20/2026

02/19/2026

Justice delayed doesn’t serve victims or communities.

In 2025, the DA’s Office reduced the time it takes to move cases through the system — delivering answers faster while upholding fairness and due process.

Faster justice. Stronger accountability.

02/19/2026

With over 120 prosecutors on our team, we handle thousands of cases each week. Here’s a brief overview of what’s been happening at the DA’s Office over the past week.

02/18/2026

What is V11 — and why does it matter?

V11 is the District Attorney’s focused public safety strategy to prosecute the most serious violent crimes first — without delay.

In 2025, V11 cases are flagged immediately, prioritized at every stage, and pursued with stronger pretrial accountability when appropriate.

By reducing internal delays in the most serious cases, the goal is simple: quicker resolutions, stronger accountability, and safer communities.

02/18/2026

DA Mulroy Releases Statement Regarding Death of Defendant Involved in 2007 Murder of Danny Harris:

“I’m sorry to hear Sarah Lucas Riedel has died, and I pray for all involved. Any death is a tragedy, but this one denies the family of Danny Harris a chance for closure and justice. It also denies Andrew Hayes, who we believe was wrongfully convicted of this murder, a chance for further proof of his innocence. While we won’t be able to prosecute Ms. Riedel, we will let the court know who we believe really killed Mr. Harris.”

Shelby County, TN. — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office has been notified of the death of Sarah Lucas, who was being held in the Shelby County Jail and was scheduled for arraignment later this week. Lucas had been extradited to Tennessee earlier this year in connection with the 2007 mu...

02/17/2026

CASE OF THE DAY:

DaJuanae Brown Thomas pleaded guilty to Facilitation of Aggravated Child Abuse Under 8

Sentence: 17.5 years

Victim was her 4-year-old son

Child was kept in isolation for nine months with the inside doorknob removed

He was brought to the hospital emaciated, critically ill, and covered in f***s

The child was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit for several weeks before being released

02/13/2026

Victim Witness Coordinator Dr. Natasha Burnett recently spoke with the City of Memphis – Office of Community Affairs Opportunity R3 Program cohort, sharing insights on understanding trauma and preventing past experiences from negatively shaping the future. She also discussed her role as a Victim Witness Coordinator and how the District Attorney’s Office supports victims.

Opportunity R3 (Rethinking, Rebuilding, and Rebranding) is a six-week workforce development program for youth ages 16–24, designed to help participants develop professional skills, explore career options, and build pathways to personal and professional success. The program encourages young people to rethink their futures, rebrand their identities, and rebuild their opportunities with purpose.

02/12/2026

https://www.scdag.com/news-releases/man-pleads-guilty-in-double-homicide-case

Eric Otten, 54, pleaded guilty Wednesday to two counts of second-degree murder in the September 2023 killings of his estranged wife, Jenni Otten, and Mark Cross at the Meridian Park Apartments in Collierville.

02/12/2026

DA Mulroy spoke to Dr. Amaia Iratzoqui’s criminal justice class at the University of Memphis, sharing insights on domestic violence cases and the day-to-day work of prosecutors. It was a great opportunity to connect with future legal professionals and discuss the realities of the justice system.

02/12/2026

Prosecutors at Work.

Before most finish their first cup of coffee, court is already in session. In 2025, more than 120 prosecutors handled over 49,000 cases — advocating for victims and holding offenders accountable every day.