Ezekiel Kelly, the man behind the deadly September 2022 shooting spree that sent Memphis into lockdown, has pleaded guilty and will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
In a Wednesday court hearing, Kelly admitted to 28 charges, including multiple counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, carjacking, and acts of terrorism. The sentence – three life terms to be served consecutively without parole, plus an additional 221 years – ensures Kelly will never walk free again. The plea deal spared him from a potential death penalty trial, a move that prosecutors and victims’ families agreed would bring quicker closure.
Kelly’s rampage left four people dead and three others wounded, with the violence spanning several hours and multiple locations across Memphis. Some of it was even livestreamed on social media, terrifying residents and forcing parts of the city into lockdown. District Attorney Steve Mulroy called the attacks “random violence” that terrorized an entire city for at least five hours, emphasizing that such acts would always bring accountability.
In court, the judge walked Kelly through each charge, from first-degree murder to possession of a prohibited weapon. The list also included reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, attempted carjacking, theft of property, and use of a firearm in multiple felonies. Aubrey Miller, the brother-in-law of one victim, spoke directly to Kelly, urging him to turn to God. Kelly, visibly emotional, wiped his eyes and addressed the court, saying he was “in the darkest place” of his life at the time of the crimes and asked the victims’ families for forgiveness.
“I wasn’t living on the righteous path,” Kelly told the courtroom. “I do apologize to the victims’ families. I hope one day you find it in your heart to forgive me.” He added that during his time in jail, he experienced a personal transformation and claimed God had reached him.
Mulroy noted that death penalty cases can drag on for decades, leaving victims’ families in limbo. By taking the plea, he said, everyone can now move forward knowing Kelly will “never see the light of day.” Kelly’s defense attorney, Michael Scholl, explained that his client accepted the deal because life in prison was “better than the grave.” He described Kelly as “180 degrees different” from the person he was when first charged, claiming his time behind bars had forced change.
The scale of the case was massive – seven crime scenes, three murders, and roughly 80 witnesses for the prosecution. Scholl revealed they were also investigating 400 other witnesses, making trial preparation a huge challenge. Kelly’s trial had been scheduled for July but was delayed earlier this year at his attorneys’ request.
Kelly’s troubled history began long before the rampage. Raised in the Raleigh neighborhood of Memphis, he had been in and out of juvenile detention. Torrey Bates, a youth advocate, said poverty and lack of support played a role in shaping Kelly’s path, with the streets raising him since middle school. Just weeks before the shootings, he was released early from prison after pleading guilty to aggravated assault in a case where he had been charged with attempted first-degree murder.
That early release outraged many in Memphis, including Mayor Jim Strickland, who said Kelly’s actions proved “truth in sentencing” laws are crucial to keeping the city safe. “We should not be terrorized by anyone,” Strickland said.
While the reasons behind Kelly’s rampage may never be fully known, what is certain is that his sentencing marks the end of one of Memphis’ most terrifying nights – and ensures the man who caused it will never have the chance to do so again.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
