Man Charged in Memphis Shooting Rampage Represents Himself in Court

MEMPHIS, Tenn.—A man from Tennessee facing capital murder charges in connection with the fatalities of three individuals during a daylong shooting spree in Memphis has informed a judge on Tuesday that he requires additional time to examine the evidence against him.

In January, a judge approved Ezekiel Kelly’s request to represent himself in over two dozen charges stemming from the September 2022 shootings that resulted in three deaths and three injuries. The incidents triggered a citywide shelter-in-place order and a chaotic manhunt.

The 22-year-old Kelly previously had private attorneys. About six months prior to his trial, slated for July 14, he made the uncommon request to act as his own legal counsel, with the lawyers now assisting him on an advisory basis.

Kelly has entered a not guilty plea concerning counts including first-degree murder and attempted murder. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted of first-degree murder.

During a short hearing on Tuesday, Kelly informed Shelby County Judge James Jones Jr. that he needed more time to access jail computers to evaluate the state’s evidence pertaining to the shooting spree, which was broadcast live on social media as police reported he drove around the city in stolen vehicles. Judge Jones scheduled a hearing for February 11.

During a January session, the judge confirmed Kelly’s competency to represent himself. Michael Scholl, who previously acted as Kelly’s attorney before he opted to go solo, expressed outside the court on Tuesday that while he couldn’t disclose the reasoning behind Kelly’s decision, their relationship had been amicable, and there were no issues between them.

Scholl mentioned that there are thousands of pages of evidence and upwards of 350 videos that Kelly will need to analyze on a computer prior to the trial. He stated that in his 32 years of practicing law, he had never encountered such a situation.

“I don’t advise anyone to represent themselves in any legal proceedings,” Scholl remarked. “Typically, lawyers avoid self-representation in their own cases due to the emotional stakes involved. Especially in a capital case, it takes many years to grasp the intricacies and the legal necessities required to manage such cases.”

In a statement, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy noted, “Competent defendants have the right to represent themselves, but it is generally not recommended, especially in a capital case.”

“We will ensure he receives a fair trial, and that justice is served in this matter,” Mulroy asserted.

Kelly has been accused of murdering Dewayne Tunstall, Richard Clark, and Allison Parker.

According to a police affidavit, at least three witnesses observed Kelly shoot Tunstall during a gathering at a Memphis residence around 1 a.m. on September 7, 2022. Clark and Parker were reportedly shot later that day.

Authorities stated that three additional individuals were injured in the shootings, the motive for which remains unclear. An indictment also charges Kelly with reckless endangerment involving a deadly weapon, committing an act of terrorism, theft, and evading arrest.

The incidents caused the closure of Memphis’ public bus system, a lockdown at two college campuses, and the halting of a minor league baseball game.

Kelly allegedly carjacked at least two vehicles prior to his arrest, which occurred when he crashed a stolen car while trying to evade police.

Parker was described as a mother of three who worked as a medical assistant at a clinic in nearby West Memphis, Arkansas.

Clark served as a campus safety officer at Christian Brothers University after a career as a corrections officer.

By Adrian Sainz