MEMPHIS, Tennessee (AP) — In an unexpected turn of events, a Tennessee man opted to represent himself against capital murder charges in connection with the deaths of three individuals during a series of shootings in Memphis. Ezekiel Kelly, 22, requested more time to examine the evidence against him during a hearing on Tuesday. The shootings, which occurred in September 2022, resulted in three fatalities and three injuries, prompting a citywide shelter-in-place order and a widespread manhunt.
Kelly, previously represented by private attorneys, was granted permission by a judge in January to act as his own legal counsel for over two dozen charges. His trial is set for July 14, with his previous lawyers now assisting him in an advisory role. Kelly has entered a plea of not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty should he be convicted of first-degree murder.
During the recent hearing, Kelly informed Shelby County Judge James Jones Jr. of his need for additional time to access jail computers and review the state’s evidence against him. The shooting spree, which was livestreamed on social media as Kelly drove around the city in stolen vehicles, is the subject of thousands of pages of evidence and more than 350 videos that Kelly must review before the trial. A hearing has been scheduled for Feb. 11 to address this matter.
While Kelly’s former attorney, Michael Scholl, expressed concerns about self-representation in such a serious case, he noted that Kelly and he had a positive working relationship. Scholl emphasized the complexities of handling a death penalty case, emphasizing the extensive experience required to navigate the legal intricacies involved.
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy cautioned against self-representation in a death penalty case, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a fair trial for all parties involved. Kelly faces charges related to the deaths of Dewayne Tunstall, Richard Clark, and Allison Parker, with additional counts of reckless endangerment, terrorism, theft, and evading arrest.
The shootings led to significant disruptions in Memphis, including the closure of public transportation, university lockdowns, and the suspension of a minor league baseball game. Kelly was apprehended following carjackings and a subsequent police pursuit that ended with a crash.
Allison Parker, a mother of three and a medical assistant, and Richard Clark, a campus safety officer, were among the victims of the tragic events. The motive behind the shootings remains unclear as the case continues to unfold.
He decided to pursue higher education and enrolled at Christian Brothers University following his retirement from a long and fulfilling career as a corrections officer.
