MEMPHIS, Tenn.
A man from Tennessee facing capital murder charges related to a series of shootings in Memphis has expressed a need for additional time to go over the evidence against him. Ezekiel Kelly, 22, has been allowed to represent himself in court regarding the charges connected to the September 2022 incidents that resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left three others injured. The shootings prompted a citywide shelter-in-place order and initiated a frantic search for the suspect.
In January, a judge approved Kelly’s request to act as his own legal counsel for over twenty charges. Previously represented by private attorneys, Kelly’s decision to take control of his defense comes about six months before his trial slated for July 14. His former legal team is now offering assistance in an advisory role.
Kelly has entered a not guilty plea against serious charges, including first-degree murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors have indicated they will pursue the death penalty if he is found guilty of first-degree murder. During a brief hearing held on Tuesday, Kelly informed Shelby County Judge James Jones Jr. that he requires more time to access the jail’s computer system to thoroughly examine the evidence gathered by the state pertaining to his case. The shooting spree was notably livestreamed on social media, with authorities indicating that Kelly was driving around the city in stolen vehicles. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for February 11.
In earlier proceedings, the judge ruled that Kelly is capable of representing himself. Michael Scholl, who was previously Kelly’s attorney, remarked outside of court that he was uncertain about Kelly’s rationale for the request but noted that their working relationship had been amicable. Scholl emphasized the volume of materials Kelly must review, stating that there are thousands of pages of evidence and over 350 videos for him to go through before trial. Scholl admitted he had never encountered a case like this in his three decades of legal practice.
“I don’t recommend that anyone self-represent in any case,” Scholl stressed. “Typically, lawyers avoid representing themselves due to the emotional weight of the situation, especially in capital cases which require extensive knowledge of legal intricacies.”
Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy commented on the situation, noting that while defendants possess the right to represent themselves if competent, doing so is not advisable, particularly in death penalty circumstances. “We will ensure he receives a fair trial and that justice is served in this matter,” Mulroy stated.
Kelly faces charges related to the fatalities of Dewayne Tunstall, Richard Clark, and Allison Parker. Eyewitness accounts reportedly placed Kelly at the scene of Tunstall’s shooting during a gathering around 1 a.m. on September 7, 2022. Clark and Parker were subsequently shot later that day. Authorities have reported that three additional individuals sustained injuries during the shooting incidents, with the motive for these crimes still unclear. Kelly also faces charges of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon, committing an act of terrorism, theft of property, and evading arrest.
The violent events led to significant disruptions, including the suspension of Memphis’ public bus services, lockdown measures at two colleges, and the cancellation of a minor league baseball game. Following the shooting spree, Kelly allegedly carjacked at least two vehicles before being apprehended after crashing a stolen car while fleeing police. Parker was identified as a mother of three and a medical assistant at a clinic in nearby West Memphis, while Clark was a safety officer at Christian Brothers University after a long career in corrections.
