Alleged Memphis Mass Shooter Was Let Out Of Prison Early After Attempted Murder Charge

Alleged Memphis Mass Shooter Was Let Out Of Prison Early After Attempted Murder Charge

Trevor Schakohl on September 8, 2022

A 19-year-old who allegedly committed multiple Memphis, Tennessee, shootings Wednesday had been released from prison less than a year into a three-year sentence, according court filings obtained by Newsweek.

Ezekiel Kelly was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly killing four people and injuring three, while suspected to have live-streamed an attack at an AutoZone store, the outlet reported. Kelly was charged in 2020 with attempted first-degree murder and reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm with intent to commit a felony before pleading guilty to aggravated assault and receiving a three-year incarceration sentence beginning in June 2021.

Authorities released Kelly in March after only 11 months for unclear reasons, Newsweek reported.

UPDATE: the suspect is still at large. If you do not have to be out, stay indoors until this is resolved.

— Memphis Police Dept (@MEM_PoliceDept) September 8, 2022

“These evil actions show why truth in sentencing is a must,” Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said following the shootings, according to Memphis’ ABC 24. If Mr. Kelly served his full three-year sentence, he would still be in prison today, and four of our fellow citizens would still be alive.”

Wednesday gunfire prompted lockdowns at the Memphis Redbirds’ minor league baseball stadium and the University of Memphis, and police instituted a shelter-in-place order in the area where Kelly was arrested, the outlet reported. While he was still at large, police urged people to stay indoors if possible.

The Shelby County Corrections Division Director’s Office did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.