By Joanna Putman
Police1
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office revealed that Memphis Police Officer Joseph McKinney, originally thought to have been killed by two teenage suspects, was likely a victim of friendly fire during an early morning shootout, according to Action News 5.
“Although current information indicates friendly fire, we believe the 17-year-old’s reprehensible actions are still the real cause of Officer McKinney’s death. Should a legal avenue open up for additional prosecution, be assured we will pursue it,” stated Erica R. Williams, Shelby County District Attorney’s Office director of communications and public affairs.
The Memphis Police Department and the Memphis Police Association echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the suspects’ violent actions initiated the tragic events on April 12, according to the report. They did not explicitly acknowledge the friendly fire in their statements.
“It was a result of the suspects’ decisions to become violent that led to the exchange of gunfire which led to the tragic loss of life,” The Memphis Police Association stated. “We will continue to focus on Ofc. McKinney’s valor in the face of danger and the sacrifice he made for the citizens of this city.”
The shootout occurred when police responded to reports of a stolen car around 2 a.m., resulting in gunfire that wounded five individuals, including both suspects and three officers, according to the report. Both McKinney and an 18-year-old suspect were killed in the encounter.
“Our office recently released a statement with our intent to file a motion to transfer the 17-year-old involved in the officer-involved shooting to adult court… We have not proceeded with a murder charge at this time because current information indicates that Officer McKinney was killed by friendly fire,” the DA’s office explained.
