Shelby County District Attorney General Steve Mulroy said his office ”strongly argued against lowering the bond” on Jaylen Lobley, a suspect who died in a police shoot-out Friday morning that also claimed the life of a police officer, ”citing the defendant’s danger to the community.”
The statement from Mulroy runs counter to growing anger online that lays the blame for Lobley’s release from a March crime at the feet of the DA’s office.
“This bond was granted by a Shelby County Judicial Commissioner following a hearing where our office strongly argued against lowering the bond, citing the defendant’s danger to the community. Despite our arguments, the commissioner approved the (release on recognizance) bond,” Mulroy said in a statement Friday afternoon. ”My office was actively prioritizing the Lobley case, identifying him as a high-risk offender and reviewing his file as part of our Project Safe Neighborhoods state-federal partnership.
“Even though Lobley was a first-time offender, his case had been accepted for federal prosecution. This is consistent with my firm belief, made a part of our “V11” violent crime initiative, that individuals found with stolen cars and guns, or found with Glock switches, can pose a danger and must be dealt with accordingly.”
Mulroy said once he heard of the shooting, he promptly called the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation to handle the case.
“I’m outraged and deeply saddened by Officer Joseph McKinney’s passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues at MPD,” Mulroy said.
On Friday afternoon, Memphis Mayor Paul Young called for “tough love” in criminal sentencing.
“Together, let’s petition our judges and the DA for stronger, swifter sentencing for violent offenses,” he said in his weekly email address to citizens. “If you are part of the judicial system, hear my voice first. We need to work together to do better for our community.
“Enough is enough. We simply must do more to hold violent offenders accountable, even when they are teenagers. We must do more to protect our community — our entire community.
“We must demand tougher gun laws. We must demand sentencing that mirrors our love for our community. Sometimes, that love needs to be tough love.”
“Officer Joseph McKinney chose to wear the Memphis Police Department uniform. He chose to serve his city. On his behalf, and in honor of the choices made by every man and woman who wears the uniform, I ask you to join me in action. Let’s make certain that Officer Joseph McKinney’s brave choices stand for something greater.”